THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

PRESENTED  BY 

PROF.  CHARLES  A.  KOFOID  AND 
MRS.  PRUDENCE  W.  KOFOID 


FOREST  AND  STREAM  SERIES,  No.  2. 

PRACTICAL 

f  RAINING; 

OR, 

TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 


S.  T.  HAMMOND, 

KENNEL.  EDITOR  OF  "FOREST  AND  STREAM. 


NEW  YORK: 
FOREST  AND  STREAM  PUBLISHING  COMPANY, 

39     PARK     RO  W. 

1882. 
COPYRIGHT,  1882,  FOREST  AND  STREAM  PUBLISHING*  Co, 


NOTE. 

The  system  of  dog  training  described  in  this  book  is  a 
new  one.  Its  fundamental  principles  were  adopted  by 
the  writer  thirty  years  ago  ;  the  details  of  the  method, 
as  here  given,  have  been  developed  and  perfected  by 
him  during  that  time.  His  own  success  with  it  has 
encouraged  the  belief  that  its  publication  would  be  •wel- 
comed by  the  thousands  of  Air*  ican  sportsmen  who 
own  and  handle  field  dogs.  This  belief,  it  is  a  pleasure 
to  say,  has  been  confirmed  by  the  marked  favor  accord- 
ed to  the  successive  chapters  as  they  appeared  in  the 
FOREST  AND  STREAM,  from  which  journal  they  are  here 
reprinted. 

This  system  is  humane  and  rational.  It  is  also  prac- 
tical and  efficient.  Dog  training  differs  essentially  from 
dog  breaking,  both  in  method  and  spirit,  and  also  in 
what  may  be  accepted  as  the  test  of  all  systems,  namely: 
the  results  attained. 

The  pages  of  this  book  contain  no  theories.  They  are 
a  plain,  simple  record  of  the  plan  which  has  been  tested 
by  the  writer  in  the  field,  year  after  year.  He  believes 
that  the  same  plan  may  be  followed  by  others  with 
equal  success.  It  is,  therefore,  with  the  fullest  confi- 
dence in  the  merits  of  this  system  of  Dog  Training  vs. 
Dog  Breaking,  that  it  L  submitted  to  the  public. 

The  story  of  "My  Old  Dog  Trim "  is  added, because 
from  his  day  the  author  dates  his  conversion  to  the 
belief  that  training  is  better  than  breakingo  The  sketch 
of  "The  One-Eyed  Grouse  of  Maple  Run"  is  also  given, 
that  the  reader  may  have  in  it  some  of  the  "reasons  for 
the  faith  that  is  in  us,"  when  we  advise  the  introduction 
of  the  youngsters  to  the  haunts  of  this  royal  bird. 
These  sketches  are  also  given  as  illustrative  of  some  of 
the  pleasures  enjoyed  in  the  field  in  the  companionship 
of  a  well-trained  dog.  S.  T.  H, 

FOREST  AND  STREAM  OFFICE,  March,  1882. 


TRAINING  VS.  BREAKING. 

CUAPTEK    I. 

T^TEARLY  all  writers  upon  the  subject  of  dog  training  ap- 
J-N  pear  to  think  that  there  is  but  one  course  to  pursue. 
That  all  knowledge  that  is  not  beaten  into  a  dog  is  worthless 
for  all  practical  purposes,  and  that  the  whip,  check-cord  and 
spike-collar,  with  perhaps  an  occasional  charge  of  shot  or  a 
vigorous  dose  of  shoe  leather,  are  absolutely  necessary  in 
order  to  perfect  his  education. 

It  may  appear  presumptions  for  us  to  advocate  a  departure 
from  the  beaten  path,  but  as  we  have  had  some  little  experience 
in  the  past  thirty  years,  and  as  many  sportsmen  who  should 
be  good  authority  have  seen  our  dogs  at  work,  and  have 
unanimously  united  in  pr  dse  of  the  manner  in  which  they 
acquit  themselves  in  the  field,  we  have  thought  lhat  per- 
haps a  description  of  our  method  of  training  might  prove  in- 
teresting. It  will  be  so  at  least  to  the  new  beginner.  The 
main  object  that  we  have  in  view  is  the  amelioration  of  the 
present  condition  of  "man's  best  friend,"  and  should  the  per- 
usal of  these  lines  cause  even  but  one  to  follow  the  coursa 
here  marked  out,  we  shall  feel  amply  repaid  for  our  labor. 

We  have  ever  been  possessed  of  a  great  love  deep  down  in 
the  heart  for  our  canine  pets,  and  this  love  is  the  main  spring 
that  governs  all  our  actions  toward  them.  We  do  not  wish 
to  be  understood  as  meaning  that  we  never  use  the  whip  for 
•we  believe  with  the  wise  king  of  old  that  the  rod  should  not 
be  spared  when  it  is  needed.  What  we  do  mean  is  this : 
There  is  no  dog  worth  the  raising — we  are  speaking  of  point- 
ers and  setters — that  cannot  and  will  not  learn  all  that  it  is 
necessary  for  him  to  know  without  a  single  blow  being  struck 
or  a  single  harsh  word  being  spoken.  We  are  very  well 
aware  that  this  humane  course  will  entail  a  little  more  labor, 
and  that  a  vast  deal  more  patience  is  required  than  when  de- 
pendence is  placed  upon  the  whip  and  boot-heel  to  enforce 


rt  7  /L  Q  ~Z  ->  "7 


2  TRAINING  V3.  BREAKING. 

your  commands,  but  the  intelligent  and  cheerful  manner  in 
which  your  pet  obeys  your  slightest  word  or  motion  will 
much  more  than  compensate  you  for  the  extra  time  that  you 
have  devoted  to  his  education.  There  is  nothing  that  so 
mars  our  enjoyment  when  in  the  field  as  to  see  the  cringing 
form  of  a  noble  animal  cowering  in  fear  of  a  whipping, 
which  nine  times  out  of  ten  he  does  not  deserve  half  so  much 
as  his  master. 

We  do  not  claim  absolute  perfection  for  our  system  nor  that 
you  can  by  adopting  it  invariably  succeed  in  turning  out  a 
well  trained,  well  behaved  dog,  for  we  know  that  with  dogs 
as  well  as  with  men  we  often  find  one  who  for  lack  of  brains 
will  never  amount  to  much,  no  matter  what  pains  we  take 
with  him. 

In  selecting  a  puppy  there  are  many  things  to  be  taken  in- 
to consideration.  In  the  first  place  we  must  be  sure  that  both 
sire  and  dam  are  first  class  field  performers.  This 
we  consider  of  the  utmost  importance.  They  must  also 
be  possessed  of  endurance,  and  must  be  reasonably  intelli- 
gent. The  more  ancestors  of  this  type  that  our  pup  caa 
boast  the  better  will  he  suit  us.  He  must  also  have  life  and 
ambition;  indeed  we  care  not  how  high  strung  he  is,  for  al- 
though he  may  not  submit  to  restraint  quite  so  readily  as 
his  sleepy  brother,  yet  when  you  once  have  him  under  sub- 
jection he  will  not  only  mind  more  quickly,  but  he  will  da 
his  work  better  and  much  more  of  it.  Of  course  he  must  be 
well  formed,  and  we  should  like  him  to  be  of  good  color  and 
coat,  but  these  last  are  not  indispensible  as  we  much  prefer 
good  performance  to  good  looks. 

Having  selected  our  pup,  we  will  take  him  home  when  he 
is  fcix  to  eight  weeks  old,  and  at  once  begin  his  education. 
Many  writers  will  tell  you  that  your  dog  should  be  much 
older  before  you  begin  to  instil  into  his  mind  even  the  rudi- 
ments of  knowledge.  If  you  are  going  to  pursue  their  sys- 
tem of  instruction,  we  should  advise  you  by  all  means  to  put 
off  the  evil  day  as  long  as  possible ;  but  if  you  are  to  follow 
our  plan,  begin  at  once ;  not  a  moment  is  to  be  lost.  In  the 
first  place  you  want  to  secure  his  affection  and  entire  confi- 


FIRST  LESSONS.  3 

deuce.  This  will  be  the  first  lesson,  and  nothing  more  should 
be  attempted  until  you  have  completely  won  his  heart  and 
taught  him  to  place  the  utmost  confidence  in  you.  At  this 
tender  age  his  mind  is  easily  impressed,  and  will  long  retain 
the  ideas  now  formed ;  and  it  will  take  but  a  few  days  to 
teach  him  to  iove  you  with  all  his  heart.  If  possible,  give 
him  a  good  roomy  pen  on  the  ground,  with  a  warm,  well- 
sheltered  house  or  box  in  which  to  lie.  Do  not  forget  that 
he  will  be  very  lonesome  for  a  few  days,  and  therefore  glad 
to  see  you  often ;  and  you  cannot  better  employ  your  time 
than  in  paying  him  a  visit  every  half  hour  for  the  first  day  or 
two.  Always,  when  you  go  to  see  him,  have  a  bit  of  some- 
thing for  him  to  eat  that  he  will  relish.  As  you  approach 
the  pen  you  should  invariably  blow  upon  your  whistle  the 
note  that  you  intend  to  use  to  call  him  in.  "VVe  sound  a  long 
note  for  this  purpose,  beginning  loud  and  gradually  dying 
away.  This,  with  a  short,  sharp  note  to  attract  attention,  is 
all  the  signal  that  we  ever  sound  upon  the  whistle ;  the  last  we 
do  not  use  until  his  education  is  further  advanced.  By  asso- 
ciating this  long  note  with  something  good  to  eat,  it  will  soon 
become  fixed  in  bis  mind  that  when  he  hears  it  he  must  run 
to  you  as  fast  as  he  can.  We  much  prefer  to  have  two  pups,  for 
it  takes  no  more  time  to  teach  them  both  than  it  does  to  teach 
one,  as  they  will  learn  from  each  other ;  and  if  one  is  in- 
clined to  be  dilatory  we  withold  his  reward,  and  he,  seeing  the 
other  one  enjoying  his  customary  allowance  while  he  is  him- 
self deprived  of  his  share,  at  once  comprehends  the  true 
reason  and  will  be  on  hand  the  next  time. 

Do  not  fail  to  abundantly  caress  him  and  speak  kindly 
words,  and  never  under  any  circumstances,  no  matter  what 
the  provocation,  allow  yourself  to  scold  or  strike  him,  as  this 
is  entirely  at  variance  with  our  system,  and  is  sure  to  result 
in  the  defeat  of  our  plans.  Should  he  jump  upon  you  with 
his  dirty  feet,  or  tear  your  clothes  with  his  sharp  teeth,  do 
not  get  angry  and  cuff  him,  but  gently  yet  firmly  pi  ice  him 
upon  the  ground  or  unclasp  his  jaws  from  your  garments, 
consoling  yourself  with  the  thought  that  in  a  short  time  you 
will  have  him  so  well  in  hand  that  he  will  know  better  than 


4  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

to  commit  these  faults.  Be  very  gentle  with  him  at  all  times; 
carefully  study  his  disposition,  and  learn  all  of  his  ways  that 
you  may  the  more  readily  understand  just  how  to  manage 
him.  You  should  be  in  perfect  sympathy  with  him  and 
humor  all  his  whims  and  notions  and  endeavor  to  teach  him 
that  you  truly  love  him.  In  a  short  time  you  will  find 
that  this  love  will  be  returned  ten  fold,  and  that  he  is  ever 
anxiously  watching  for  your  coming,  and  never  so  happy  as 
when  in  your  presence  and  enjoying  your  caresses. 

After  a  few  days  you  may  begin  to  train  him,  but  do  not 
be  in  a  hurry  about  it,  as  nothing  is  gained  by  haste.  •  Be 
very  careful  now,  and  do  not  ruin  all  by  an  undue  haste ;  go 
very  slow,  carefully  feel  your  way,  and,  above  all  things, 
exercise  an  unwearied  patience  ;  and  if  at  any  time  you  find 
the  strain  upon  your  nerves  growing  a  little  too  tense,  leave 
him  at  once  and  wait  until  you  are  perfectly  calm  before  re- 
suming the  lesson. 

There  is  one  thing,  of  the  utmost  importance,  that  we  wish 
to  particularly  impress  upon  your  mind  before  we  go  any 
further.  Do  not  allow  yourself  under  any  circumstances  to 
speak  to  your  pupil  in  anything  but  your  ordinary  tone  of 
voice.  There  is  nothing  that  is  mere  annoying  when  shoot- 
ing than  to  have  a  companion  continually  yelling  at  the  top 
of  his  voice  to  his  dog,  and  generally  without  any  effect. 
Now,  such  yelling  is  worse  than  useless,  fo-r  if  your  dog  is 
properly  trained  in  the  first  place,  he  will  readily  mind  your 
lightest  word.  For  your  own  comfort,  then,  and  for  the 
pleasure  of  whoever  may  accompany  you  upon  your  shooting 
excursions,  use  nothing  but  gentle  tones  when  you  issue  your 
commands.  When  this  very  disagreeable  habit  of  shou'ing 
is  once  commenced,  you  will  soon  find  that  a  still  louder  tone 
is  demanded,  and  had  you  the  lungs  of  a  Stentor,  it  will  not 
be  long  before  your  resources  will  be  exhausted,  and  you  will 
vainly  sigh  for  thunder  tones  to  voice  your  words  of  com- 
mand. 

The  first  thing  that  we  endeavor  to  teach  a  pup,  after  we 
obtain  his  love  and  confidence,  is  to  stop  at  the  words  To 
ho.  This  is  a  very  important  point,  and  comparatively 


FIRST  LESSONS.  5 

easy  to  teach  him.  He  should  be  very  hungry  when  you 
commence  these  first  lessons,  as  his  eagerness  for  the  food 
will  cause  him  to  pay  you  close  attention  ;  and  when  he  un- 
derstands that  as  soon  as  he  performs  his  task  his  reward  is 
sure,  and  that  he  cannot  have  it  before,  he  will  anxiously 
strive  to  do  whatever  you  may  require  of  him.  You  should 
begin  by  giving  him  a  taste  of  a  piece  of  meat,  then  secure 
a  firm  hold  upon  his  collar,  and  place  a  small  piece  upon  the 
ground  in  front  of  him.  He  will  struggle  with  all  his  strength 
to  get  at  it,  but  hold  him  steadily,  and  do  not  say  a  word 
until  he  becomes  partially  quiet ;  then  move  his  nose  a  little 
nearer,  and,  in  your  ordinary  tone  of  voice,  say  To  ho, 
with  a  falling  accent  upon  the  last  syllable.  Do  not  repeat 
the  words  just  yet,  and  when  you  do  be  very  careful  that 
your  voice  is  not  strained  and  unnatural;  we  always  ac- 
company this  word  with  the  right  hand  raised  warningly,  for 
it  may  often  happen  that  we  wish  our  dog  to  come  to  a  halt 
at  some  distance  from  us,  and  by  accustoming  him  to  the 
gesture  he  will  soon  learn  to  stop  a3  far  as  he  can  see  you. 
Most  sportsmen  use  this  signal  to  mak3  their  dogs  charge, 
but  as  we  shall  show  further  on,  when  we  come  to  it,  the 
other  plan  is  much  better.  After  a  few  seconds  the  dog  wil] 
become  more  quiet,  and  you  can  n  peat  the  words.  Now 
carefuly  watch  him,  and  as  soon  as  his  attention  is  fixed  upon 
the  meat,  and  he  looks  at  it  steadily  for  a  second,  release 
your  hold  and  cluck  to  him  as  a  signal  that  he  can  now  have 
it,  and  at  once  praise  and  pet  him,  and  give  him  to  under- 
stand that  he  has  done  something  wonderful,  and  that  you 
are  pleased  with  him.  We  should  have  stated  before  that,  from 
the  first,  whenever  you  place  his  food  before  him  you  should 
always  cluck  to  him,  as  he  will  thus  learn  the  meaning  of 
the  sound,  and  understand  when  he  hears  it  that  all  restraint 
is  removed. 

After  the  first  trial  do  not  try  him  again  until  the  next 
time  that  you  feed  him;  for  should  you  force  him  he  may 
grow  weary  and  fail  to  respond  with  that  cheerfulness  and 
alacrity  that  is  so  pleasing  to  see.  You  must  be  very  care- 
ful that  he  does  not  get  at  the  meat  until  you  give  him  per- 


6  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

mission,  for  he  must  understand  that  you  mean  business 
every  time,  and  that  he  cannot  have  it  until  he  becomes  per- 
fectly quiet  and  hears  your  signal.  After  a  few  lessons  of 
this  kind,  if  you  have  managed  right,  you  will  be  surprised 
to  see  the  improvement  that  he  will  mako  and  the  zest  with 
which  he  will  enter  into  the  spirit  of  it.  You  can  soon  leava 
him  free,  and  he  will  readily  point  at  the  word ;  and  with 
proper  care  he  will  soon  learn  to  point  when  the  meat  is 
thrown  to  quite  a  distance  from  him.  Of  course  you  will 
understand  that  the  distance  must  be  increased  very  gradu- 
ally, and  implicit  obedience  exacted  every  time.  Should  he 
move  so  much  as  one  step  after  you  give  him  the  word,  you 
must  in3tantly  place  him  as  near  as  may  be  in  his  former 
position,  at  the  same  time  repeating  the  word  ;  and  this  must 
be  done  gently  yet  firmly  until  he  becomes  steadfast.  Too 
much  importance  cannot  be  attached  to  this;  indeed,  it  i3 
the  groundwork  of  our  whole  system ;  and  unless  you 
thoroughly  instill  into  his  mind  the  knowledge  that  you 
mean  just  whit  you  say,  and  must  be  obeyed  to  the  very 
letter,  and  that  he  cannot  vary  the  fraction  of  an  inch  from 
the  rule  that  you  have  laid  down,  it  wi  1  not  be  of  any  use  to 
continue  further,  for  under  our  system — or  any  other — it  will 
be  utterly  impossible  to  turn  out  a  we'll  trained  animal  unless 
we  strictly  adhere  to  the  above  rub  and  exact  implicit  obe- 
dience every  time. 

After  he  once  undertstands  that  he  must  mind,  your  task 
is  half  accomplished,  the  rest  is  comparatively  easy,  and 
you  will  indeed  find  it  a  labor  of  love  to  perfect  his  educa- 
tion. 

In  giving  these  first  lessans  do  not  re  nove  him  from  his 
pen,  as  new  surrounding 3  will  serve  to  distract  his  attenti  m 
from  the  business  on  hand,  and  your  task  will  be  all  the 
harder.  Indeed  it  is  much  better  to  avoid  all  training  out- 
side the  pen  until  your  pupil  is  well  established  in  whit  you 
have  taught  him.  Should  it  not  be  convenient  to  have  a  pen 
for  him,  any  good  sized  room  or  inclosure  that  he  cannot  get 
out  of,  will  answer  for  training  purposes.  Do  not  allow  any 
spectators  in  these  first  lessons,  as  you  want  his  undivided 


FIRST  LESSONS.  7 

attention.  We  know  that  there  is  great  satisfaction  in  show- 
ing off  the  little  fellow's  accomplishments  to  one's  friends, 
but  until  you  are  quite  sure  that  he  will  obey  when  strangers 
are  near,  it  is  much  better  to  practice  him  alone  than  to  have 
him  go  back  on  you  before  folks  where  you  might  feel  a 
little  delicacy  about  enforcing  your  commands. 


CHAPTER  II. 

OANINK    ACCOMPLISHMENTS. 

WHILE  teaching  our  pup  to  charge,  his  other  lesson 
must  by  no  means  be  neglected,  but  plenty  of  prac- 
tice must  be  sandwiched  in  until  he  appears  to  thoroughly 
understand  the  meaning  of  To  ho,  and  will  readily  stop  at 
the  word  or  upraised  hand.  When  he  is  reasonably  perfect 
in  this,  you  can  vary  the  lesson  by  placing  the  food  upon 
your  knee,  as  you  sit  by  him,  and  bringing  his  noss  very 
close  to  it,  and  after  a  while,  as  he  improves,  you  can  lay  the 
morsel  upon  his  nose  and  he  will  soon  learn  to  hold  perfectly 
still  and  retain  any  attitude  that  you  may  place  him  in.  As 
he  advances  in  knowledge,  you  should  take  a  piece  of  meat 
of  good  size,  that  he  cannot  swallow,  and  carefully  open  hh 
mouth — this  you  caa  do  by  clasping  your  hand  around  his 
muzzle  and  gently  forcing  the  thumb  and  fingers  between 
his  jaws— and  placing  the  piece  therein,  at  the  same  time 
commanding  him  to  To  ho.  Do  not  remove  your  hand  from 
his  jaws,  but  hold  him  lightly  yet  firmly  ;  for  although  the 
chances  are  in  favor  of  his  understanding  what  is  wanted, 
and  obeying  readily,  still  it  is  necessary  to  retain  the  grasp 
as  we  are  not  through  with  him  yet ;  and  should  the  taste  of 
the  meat  prove  too  tempting  and  he  undertake  to  bolt  it, 
you,  having  a  good  hold  of  him,  can  at  once  open  his  mouth 
and  secure  the  meat.  As  soon  as  he  comprehends  what  you 
require  and  remains  perfectly  quiet,  gently  force  open  his 
mou  h  and  take  the  meat  from  him,  at  the  same  time  telling 
him  to  "  drop,"  and  at  once  reward  him  with  a  piece  of  some 
other  kind  of  meat,  thus  teaching  him  that  he  cannot  eat  the 
first  piece,  nor  even  mouth  it,  but  must  deliver  it  safe  into 
your  hand.  We  generally  use  a  piece  of  tough,  partly- 
cooked  beef  for  the  trial,  and  are  very  particular  in  our  first 
lessons  of  this  kind  to  reward  him  \vith  a  bit*  of  liver  or 
something  entirely  different  from  the  large  piece.  The  utility 
of  this  lesson  we  will  explain  further  on,  only  remarking 


THE  CHAIX.  9 

here  that  we  consider  it  of  vital  importance  that  our  pupil 
should  be  thoroughly  trained  in  this,  for  we  think  it  to  be 
one  of  his  most  necessary  lessons,  and  too  much  time  cannot 
be  expended  in  perfecting  him  in  this  branch  of  his  educa- 
tion. He  should  become  so  perfect  in  this  that  he  will  take 
the  smallest  bit  of  meat  in  his  mouth  and  ho'd  it  perfectly 
still,  without  the  slightest  movement  of  his  jaws,  and  deliver 
it  readily  into  your  hand  without  reluctance. 

You  should  accustom  him  to  the  restraint  of  the  chain 
very  early  in  his  career,  fcr  the  longer  you  wait  the  harder 
will  be  the  task  ;  he  should  be  chained  up  two  or  three  times 
each  day,  fcr  a  little  while  only  at  a  time,  taking  care  that 
he  is  perfectly  quiet  when  you  loose  him.  Should  he  be  very 
restless  and  uneasy,  you  must  soothe  him  with  kind  words 
and  pet  him  until  he  becomes  quiet,  and  on  no  account  un- 
fasten him  until  he  ceases  his  struggles  and  remains  calm  for 
a  little  while,  thus  teaching  him  that  howlings  and  strug- 
glings  will  not  set  him  free.  B?  very  careful  to  see  that  he 
cannot  break  his  collar  nor  slip  it  over  his  head,  nor  break 
his  cbain,  for  it  is  of  the  utmost  impor lance  that  your  lessons 
should  be  thorough,  and  that  at  no  time  should  he  get  the 
idea  into  his  head  that  there  is  any  possible  course  except 
implicit  obedience  to  your  wishes.  Great  care  must  be  taken 
at  all  times,  in  all  his  lessens,  that  he  is  not  kept  under 
restraint  for  too  long  a  time,  but  the  increase  of  time  must 
be  none  the  less  sure,  although  very  gradual  and  almost  im- 
perceptible. Much  will  depend  upon  his  disposition  in  this, 
which,  if  you  have  carefully  s'udied,  you  will  be  able  to 
manage,  so  that  he  shall  not  brcome  disgusted  and  be  an  un- 
willing pupil.  At  the  slightest  indication  that  he  is  getting 
weary  of  instruction,  you  must  let  up  a  little  and  pro- 
ceed slower,  but  with  such  care  and  good  judgment  that 
he  shall  not  mistrust  the  reason;  and  if  you  pursue  the 
proper  course  and  manage  him  rightly,  you  will  l-e  amply  re- 
paid when  he  comes  to  maturity  in  witnessing  the  intelligent 
and  cheerful  manner  in  which  he  will  obey  your  commands 
and  submit  to  long  continued  restraint  without  a  murmur. 

We  accustom  our  pup  from  the  first  to  the  society  of 


10  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

fowls,  and  if  possible  procure  a  brood  of  chickens  for  him 
to  associate  with.  We  greatly  prefer  game  fowls  for  this 
purpose,  for  we  think  they  are  possessed  of  stronger  scent, 
thus  being  more  attractive  to  him,  and  making  him  all  the 
more  eager  to  investigate  them,  while  the  mother  being  much 
more  brave  in  their  defense  than  a  common  dunghill  will  at 
his  first  attempt  to  chase  or  worry  them  give  him  a  lesson 
that  he  will  never  forget.  Upon  the  occasion  of  his  first  in- 
troduction to  them,  do  not  allow  him  to  mistrust  that  you 
have  planned  the  interview,  but  let  him  accidentally  come 
upon  them  while  a1;  play  ;  he  may  not  cha?e,  but  the  chances 
are  that  he  will  make  a  rush  for  them.  Do  not  stir,  but 
calmly  say,  To  ho,  and  leave  the  rest  to  the  old  hen. 
Should  he  hear  you  and  stop,  you  must  caress  and  praiee 
him.  Should  he  "point"  them,  do  not  enourage,  neither 
must  you  prevent  him,  but  take  no  notice  of  it,  for 
should  he  find  that  it  was  pleasing  to  you  he  might  form 
habits  that  would  not  always  prove  satisfactory.  On  the 
other  hand,  should  you  discourage  him  he  would  perhaps 
think  it  was  wrong  to  point,  so  that  the  best  way  is  to 
leave  him  alone,  and  let  him  point  to  his  heart's  content, 
thankful  that  he  has  the  instinct,  and  content  to  patiently 
await  the  proper  time  to  so  direct  this  wonderful  gift  that 
its  display  shall  minister  to  your  pleasure  and  afford  you 
abundant  enjoyment 

There  is  one  other  point  to  which  we  wish  to  call  your 
attention  while  we  are  upm  the  subject.  If  you  have 
hunted  much  you  have  undoubtedly  seen  dogs  that  would 
point  rabbits  and  perhaps  chase  them.  Now,  that  our  pupil 
may  not  be  guilty  of  such  indiscretion,  when  old  enough 
to  take  the  field,  we  will  proceed  to  so  train  him  that  he  will 
never  pay  them  the  slightest  attention.  We  always  obtain, 
if  possible,  a  pair  or  more  of  our  common  wild  rabbits ;  if 
these  cannot  be  had  the  tame  variety  will  answer.  Then  we 
build  them  a  hutch  alongside  the  puppy's  pen,  with  a  hole 
communicating  just  large  enough  for  them  to  pass  through, 
that  they  may  visit  him  at  their  pleasure  and  readily  escape 
should  he  be  loo  familiar,  and  our  word  for  it  you  never 


POINTING  FUR.  11 

need  fear  tbat  your  dog  is  pointing  a  rabbit.  We  once  pur- 
chased for  a  song  a  magnificent  dog,  which  was  entirely 
worthless  from  this  cause.  Although  he  had  an  excellent 
nose,  and  was  perfectly  staunch,  he  would  point  every 
rabbit  that  came  in  his  way,  and  would  "draw"  on  their 
trail,  and  you  could  never  make  sure  but  he  was  leading 
you  after  one  of  these  pests  instead  of  a  bird.  We  took 
him  home  and  placed  him  in  a  large  yard,  with  several  of 
his  bob-tailed  friends,  and  left  him  to  his  fate.  He  pointed 
them  steadily  all  the  afternoon,  and  refused  to  leave  them  to 
eat  his  supper.  What  he  did  during  the  night  we  cannot 
say,  but  when  we  visited  him  in  the  morning,  although  he 
was  lying  down,  he  was  still  staunchly  pointing,  but  appar- 
ently very  tired.  He  did  leave  them  long  enough  to  eat  his 
breakfast,  but  as  soon  as  it  was  down  he  immediately  re- 
sumed his  work.  This  went  on  for  nearly  a  week  before  he 
appeared  to  weaken,  and  before  the  close  of  the  second 
week  he  evidently  had  had  enough  of  it.  We  then  took 
him  into  the  field,  taking  pains  to  go  where  rabbits  were 
plenty,  but  not  once  did  he  pay  them  the  slightest  attention, 
nor  was  he  ever  known  to  notice  them  again.  For  the 
same  reason  we  like  to  have  cats  about  the  house  that  our 
pup  may  become  well  acquainted  with  them  before  he  com- 
mences hunting. 

We  should  have  mentioned  before  that  the  pup  should  be 
let  out  of  his  pen  for  a  good  run,  at  least  twice  a  day,  and 
if  he  will  remain  about  the  house  and  not  stray  away,  we 
should  much  prefer  to  let  him  run  all  the  time,  for  the  more 
exercise  that  he  gets  the  belter  will  it  be  for  his  strength 
and  endurance  in  the  future,  and  the  less  he  is  confined  the 
better  will  it  be  for  his  courage  and  confidence. 

While  our  pup  is  yet  yourg  he  should  be  taught  to  love  the 
sound  of  the  gun.  This  can  be  easily  accomplished  if  the 
proper  course  is  pursued.  In  the  fir.4  pla.ce  we  take  a  couple 
of  old  tin  pans,  and  while  his  attention  is  attracted  by 
something  that  interests  him  we  strike  them  together,  lightly 
at  first ;  and  if  he  appears  to  be  afraid  we  are  very  careful  not 
to  add  to  his  fright  by  a  repetition  of  the  noise  anywhere 


12  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

near  him,  but  take  the  pans  to  quite  a  distance  from  bis  pen 
and  leave  them,  and  wait  awhile  before  trying  again.  When 
it  is  time  to  feed  him  we  go  to  the  pans,  and  while  sounding 
our  whistle,  as  before  described,  to  let  him  know  that  we  are 
coming,  we  give  a  stroke  just  loud  enough  for  him  to  hear 
plainly,  and  at  once  proceed  to  his  pen  and  give  him  his 
feed.  By  pursuing  tbis  course  for  a  few  days,  and  gradually 
goiag  a  little  closer  every  time,  he  will  become  accustomed 
to  the  sound,  and  learning  that  the  noise  is  connected  with 
our  coming,  and  also  his  dinner,  he  soon  gets  used  to  it,  and 
in  a  short  time  will  stand  the  racket  without  flnching.  When 
he  has  become  so  accustomed  to  the  noise  that  he  shows  no 
signs  of  fear  at  quite  a  loud  crash  it  is  time  to  try  him  with 
the  gun.  In  order  to  do  this  understand ingly  you  will  re- 
quire an  assistant.  Let  him  take  the  gun  loaded  with  a  light 
charge  of  powder  and  stand  at  some  little  distance— say  forty 
or  fifty  yards  away — and  be  ready  at  your  signal  to  fire. 
You  will  now  enter  h's  pen,  and  after  he  gets  a  little  quiet 
call  him  to  you  and  put  a  piece  of  meat  before  him  and  bid 
him  Toho,  at  the  same  time  raising  your  hand  as  a  signal  for 
the  gun.  Carefully  watch  him,  and  should  he  display  any 
sign  of  fear  the  experiment  must  be  repeated  as  with  the 
pans.  There  is  no  need  of  your  presence  only  to  notice  how 
he  behaves,  and  you  can  dispense  with  your  assistant,  unless, 
as  will  probably  be  the  case,  he  does  not  mind  the  report, 
when  the  gun  can  be  brought  nearer,  and  you  can  make 
another  trial.  Great  Cire  must  be  taken  not  to  frighten  him 
with  too  loud  a  discharge,  nor  should  it  be  too  close  to  him, 
until  he  gets  used  to  it.  By  piying  close  attention  to  him 
when  under  fire,  you  can  read  Jy  teil  how  far  it  will  do  to  go, 
and  by  properly  conducting  your  cxp3riment  you  can  soon 
teach  him  to  love  the  sound  of  the  gun,  even  when  fired  over 
his  head ;  indeed  we  have  cured  in  this  way  some  of  the 
worst  cases  of  gun- shy  ness  that  we  e  Vv  r  saw.  Comparatively 
few  dogs  are  gun-shy,  and  it  is  with  these  only  that  thos3 
precautions  are  necessary.  After  your  pup  has  been  care- 
fully accustomed  to  the  noise  do  not  lay  the  gun  aside  as 
soon  as  you  have  accomplished  your  object,  but  let  him  hear 


SOUND  OF  THE  GUN.  13 

the  eound  occasionally  until  his  education  is  complete,  taking 
good  care  that  the  discharge  of  the  gun  is  at  once  followed  by 
something  pleasing  to  him — his  dinner,  for  instance — or  let  it 
be  a  prelude  to  giving  him  his  liberty,  thus  giving  him  to  un- 
derstand that  the  noise  means  something,  and  soon  the  noise, 
or  even  the  sight  of  the  gun,  will  cause  him  pleasurable  emo- 
tions that  he  will  never  forget. 


CHAPTER  III. 

OHABGE ! 

will  take  it  for  granted  that,  after  a  week  cr  two  Of 
daily  practice,  our  pupil  has  so  far  advanced  in  his 
education  as  to  be  rearonably  proficient  in  his  performance 
at  To  hot  and  we  will  now  take  another  step  and  try  him 
with  something  new,  and  endeavor  to  teach  him  the  meaning 
of  the  word  charge.  As  this  word  is  in  constant  use  among 
sportsmen  the  world  over,  we  always  teach  our  dogs  its 
meaning;  but  for  our  own  use  we  greatly  prefer  a  low 
breathed  Sh!  It  is  just  as  effective  and  far  more  quiet,  es- 
pecially when  you  take  your  dog  into  company,  for  instead 
of  attracting  the  attention  of  every  one  in  the  room  by 
commanding  him  to  charge,  you  cai  give  him  this  signal, 
and  scarcely  one  even  of  those  nea-  est  you  ^  ill  notice  it. 
We  have  used  this  for  more  than  t  wen  y  years,  and  can 
heartily  recommend  it.  Most  persons  train  their  dogs  to 
charge  at  the  upraised  hand.  We  do  not  quite  like  this,  and 
have  never  adopted  the  custom,  for  it  very  seldom  occurs 
that  you  wish  your  dog  to  drrp  at  any  great  distance  from 
you,  but  should  you  from  any  cause  wish  your  dog  to  remain 
quiet  when  he  is  at  a  distance,  how  much  better  it  is  to  teach 
him  to  come  to  a  full  stop  at  the  raising  of  your  hand,  and 
remain  upon  his  feet  when  he  can  see  you  and  be  ready  to 
obey  your  next  signal.  Even  at  the  discharge  of  the  gun  or 
rise  of  the  bird,  we  greatly  \  refer  that  the  dog,  instead  of 
charging,  should  instantly  stup  and  stand  up,  where  he  can 
readily  see  what  ii  going  on.  There  are  many  arguments  in 
favor  of  this  course  that  we  will  not  mention  until  we  get 
further  on. 

We  will  now  take  our  pupil  in  hand  and  see  if  we  can 
teach  him  to  "charge."  Place  one  hand  upon  his  shoulders 
and  neck  and  the  other  upon  his  hips,  and  gently,  yet 
firrniy,  force  him  to  a  recumbent  position,  at  the  same  time 
repeat  the  word  charge,  prefaced  with  the  low  ah—.  Do  not 


CHARGE!  15 

forget  to  use  only  your  natural  tone,  at  the  same  time  the 
word  must  be  Bpokm  in  a  decided  way  that  cannot  be  mis- 
taken for  entreaty  instead  of  command.  This  word  must 
not  be  spoken  more  than  once,  and  given  with  a  falling  in- 
flection  ;  keep  him  in  position  un'il  he  ceases  struggling  and 
his  muscles  relax.  After  a  second  or  two,  if  he  zemains 
quiet,  lernove  your  hands  and  allow  him  to  get  up.  By 
using  the  words  " hold  up  "  or  "get  up  "  in  this  connection 
he  will  soon  learn  their  meaning ;  but  do  not  do  this  until  he 
appea'  s  to  understand  what  you  want  of  him,  and  on  no 
recount,  EO  matter  how  long  the  struggle  continues,  should 
y.  u  repeat  the  word,  nor  let  up  on  him  one  particle,  for 
everything  depends  on  first  impressions,  and  as  sooa  ts  your 
pupil  finds  that  his  struggles  to  escape  avail  him  nothing,  and 
that  relentless  as  fate  you  are  bound  to  conquer  and  accom- 
plish your  purpose,  he  will  at  each  successive  lesson  be  more 
willing  to  yield.  To  this  persistent  painstaking  and  un- 
wearied perseverance  in  sticking  to  our  point  until  our  object 
is  accomplished  do  we  owe  much  of  our  success  in  training. 

We  must  again  repeat  that  all  this  time  you  must  keep 
perfectly  cool,  and  must  suffer  no  sign  to  escape  you  of  anger 
or  impatience  ;  for  if  you  cannot  control  your  temper  you 
are  not  the  one  to  train  a  dog,  and  had  better  resort  to  the 
breaking  process  at  once. 

Great  care  should  be  taken  to  place  the  pup  in  a  natural 
position.  When  you  force  him  down  see  that  his  hind  legs 
are  squarely  under  his  body  and  his  fore-legs  advanced  well 
in  front,  with  the  head  resting  between  or  upon  them,  and 
always  insist  upon  this  position. 

In  the  first  few  lessons  it  is  not  necessary  to  keep  him  in 
position  more  than  a  second  or  two,  but  be  very  careful  tint 
he  understands  that  you  are  to  be  thejudgi  of  the  proper 
time  when  he  may  get  up.  As  he  grows  older  the  time  can 
be  very  gradually  extended,  according  to  his  disposition. 
Should  he  be  very  nervous  and  excitable,  great  care  must  be 
had  that  he  d  ?es  not  get  heart-broken  with  unnecessary  and 
long  continued  restraint. 

Do  not  expect  that  he  will  at  once  become  perfect  in  any. 


16  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

thing  that  you  may  teach  him,  but  possess  your  soul  in  pa- 
tience and  allow  and  encourage  him  to  act  out  his  puppy 
ways  and  to  play  and  frolic  to  .his  heart's  content,  always  ex- 
cepting,  of  course,  the  few  moments  that  you  devote  to  his 
lessons.  Above  all  thing?,  carefully  refrain,  from  anything 
that  looks  like  restraint  in  your  ordin  iry  intercourse  with 
him,  and  endeavor  to  instill  into  his  mind  that  you  are  his 
loving  friend,  and  that  nothing  suits  you  better  than  to  see 
him  thoroughly  enjoy  Mmself.  We  have  found  by  experi- 
ence that  dogs  are  very  much  like  men  in  some  respects. 
They  both  are  possessed  of  a  superabundance  of  steam  that 
must  have  vent  somehow,  and  it  is  much  better  to  get  rid  of 
the  surplus  while  your  pupil  is  of  too  tender  an  age  to  work 
any  serious  harm,  than  tobott'e  it  up  for  escape  in  the  future, 
when  added  years  and  knowledge  are  very  proie  t3  turn  the 
current  into  dangerous  channels.  How  much  better  it  is  to 
a'low  your  boy  to  chase  the  gaudy  butterfly  and  to  encour- 
age him  to  renewed  efforts  and  let  him  learn  for  himieif, 
that  even  if  he  is  successful  in  securing  the  object  of  his  de 
sire,  that  the  chase  is  futile  and  will  not  pay  for  bruised 
and  tired  limbs  and  soiled  and  torn  clothes — how  much  bet- 
ter this  than  to  keep  him  unwill  ng  at  your  side,  with  his 
young  heart  almost  bursting  to  essay  the  trial  and  sowing 
the  seed  that  in  a  few  years  will  ripen  and  cause  him  a1,  the 
first  opportune  moment  to  break,  not  for  butterflies  now, 
but  in  a  wild  chase  for  forbidden  pleasures  that  the  restraints 
of  his  childhood  make  doubly  dear.  Do  not  think  that  we 
are  moralizing ;  we  are  only  illustrating.  Therefore,  when 
your  pupil  gives  chase  to  the  "butterflies  of  youth,"  do  not 
check  him,  but  rather  urge  him  on,  that  he  may  the  sooner 
discover  the  fallacy  of  the  pursuit.  In  the  meantime  consols 
yourself  with  the  thought  that  he  is  working  off  his  surplus 
steam  and  will  all  the  sooner  settle  down  to  the  real  duties  of 
life  and  do  you  no  discredit  by  wild  escapades  in  his  mature 
years. 

There  is  one  thing  that  we  consider  of  paramount  impor- 
tance—our pup  must  staunchly  point  when  he  is  from  fcix  to 
ten  weeks  old.  If  he  will  not  do  this  naturally  and  of  hij 


CHARGE!  17 

own  free  will,  quickly  dispose  of  him  to  some  one  who  is  not 
so  particular,  and  try  again.  Although  his  breeding  may  be 
of  the  best  and  the  chances  in  favor  of  his  pointing  in  the 
fuiure,  still  there  are  so  many  elements  of  chance  in  raising 
up  dogs  that  we  should  strive  to  eliminate  at  least  all  of  the 
doubtful  ones.  We  have  yet  to  see  the  dog  that  would  make 
a  gamy  point  at  this  tender  age  who  would  not  fulfill  the 
promise  in  his  riper  years;  while  "t)>e  woods  pre  full  of 
them "  that,  having  passed  their  youth  without  displaying 
this,  "heaven  born  gift  "still  make  no  sign.  It  is  not 
necessary  that  he  should  be  tried  on  game  bird*— al- 
though this  is  desirable — but  any  bird  will  answer  the 
purpose;  a  fowl  or  chicken  will  *b  first-rate,  or 
almost  anything  that  will  attract  liis  attention  so  that 
he  makes  a  staunch  point.  Do  not  force  this  upon  him,  but 
merely  give  him  a  chance  to  discover  the  bird  or  chicken 
himself,  and  if  he  has  this  instinct  implanted  within  him  you 
may  depend  upon  his  showing  it.  Many  pups  who  will 
staunchly  point  at  this  age  may,  perhaps,  a  few  weeks  or 
months  later,  shovrnosign;  give  yourself  no  uneasiness  on 
this  account,  for  you  know  that  the  instinct  is  there  and,  al- 
though it  may  be  dormant  f  r  a  while,  you  can  rest  secure 
that  it  will  return  in  proper  season. 

Do  not  forget  during  all  your  lessons,  and  while  at  play 
with  him,  to  pet  and  fondle  him ;  but  do  not  allow  him  to 
jump  upon  you  at  any  time.  Whenever  he  does  this  you 
should  at  once  firmly  remove  him  and  he  will  soon  learn  that 
this  will  not  do.  You  should  also  talk  to  him -not  baby 
talk— but  use  intelligent,  rational  language,  just  such  as  you 
would  use  in  talking  to  a  ten  year  old  boy,  and  you  will  be 
surprised  to  see  how  soon  he  will  understand  your  conversa- 
tion. We  are  well  aware  that  many  persons  will  ridicule 
this,  and  will  claim  that  a  dog  should  be  taught  just  as  little  as 
will  answer  to  make  him  understand  his  duties  while  in  the 
field,  and  that  what  they  term  "  fancy  training  "  is  a  positive 
injury  to  his  usefulness.  We  have  no  sympathy  with  these 
views,  for  nearly  all  of  the  pleasure  derived  from  our  shoot- 
ing trips  is  in  witnessing  the  intelligent  manner  in  which  our 


18  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

pets  perform  their  duties,  and  well  satisfied  are  we  that  tie 
more  varied  their  accomplishments  and  the  rmre  developed 
their  reasoning  faculties,  the  more  en  j  oy  ment  will  they  afford. 
That  many  writers  of  renown  disagree  with  us  upon  this 
point  is  true ;  and  formerly,  while  perusing  the  finished  pro 
duetions  of  their  able  pens,  we  have  be^n  haunted  by  linger- 
ing doubts  that  after  all  perhaps  they  were  right  and  that  our 
system  was  open  to  serious  objections ;  but  after  a  tramp 
over  the  stubble  or  through  the  covert  with  these  same  writ- 
ers, and  witnessing  tho  delight  with  which  they  gazed  upon 
the  performance  of  our  dogs,  and  listening  to  the  lavish  en- 
comiums which  ttey  bestowed  upon  their  good  behavior,  we 
have  been  confirmed  in  the  faith  that  our  system  is  not  radi- 
cally wrong,  to  say  the  least.  Many  sportsmen  whom  we 
have  met  in  the  field  insist  upon  c  )ngratulating  us  upon  the 
wonderful  good  luck  that  we  have  had  in  obt  lining  such  in- 
telligent animals.  That  they  are  intelligent  is  plain  to  be 
seen ;  that  they  are  naturally  more  so  than  thousands  of 
others  we  cannot  believe,  for  we  have  had  considerable  ex- 
perience with  many  strains  of  both  pointers  and  setters.  Of 
pointers  we  have  owned  the  "gazelle- eyed,"  satin-coated, 
light  weight  bemlies,  and  many  of  the  different  s'rains  and 
crosses  up  to  the  lumbering  Spaniard ;  and  of  setters  we  have 
cultivated  the  "wi'd  Irishman,"  as  well  as  his  more  staid 
English  and  Scotch  brothers,  together  with  many  animals  of 
our  grand  o'd  native  stock,  and  Lave  ever  found  them  all  en- 
dowed with  faculties  that  needed  but  proper  training  to 
develop  them  into  intelligent  companions  as  well  as  first  class 
"killing  "dogs. 

We  will  now  return  to  our  pupil,  whom  we  have  given 
quite  a  rest — and  continue  our  lessons,  ever  remembering  thnt 
we  must  "hasten  slowly,"  and  not  over-burden  his  youthful 
days  with  care  and  sorrow  by  too  frequent  or  long  continu  d 
restraint.  Unless  he  is  very  dull  and  stupid,  or  inclined  to 
be  refractory,  or  worse  than  all,  sulky,  a  very  short  time  is 
sufficient  to  give  him  all  the  instruction  and  practice  needed, 
indeed  the  shorter  the  time  occupied  in  his  lessons  at  this 
tender  age  the  better,  provided  you  succeed  in  obtaining  an 
intelligent  obedience  to  your  commands. 


CHARGE!  19 

You  should  be  pretty  well  acquainted  with  his  disposition 
by  this  time,  and  be  able  1o  form  an  opinion  as  to  whether  it 
will  pay  to  keep  him  or  try  again.  We  are  very  loth  to  ex- 
pend much  time  with  a  dull  or  stupid  one,  and  a  sour  or 
sulky  disposition  we  abominate,  and  dispose  of  such  as  soon 
as  may  be.  We  are  best  suited  when  a  pup  is  full  of  life 
and  shows  that  he  has  a  will  of  his  own,  We  care  not  if  he 
be  headstrong,  even  willful,  so  that  he  is  full  of  life  and  ac- 
tion, for  we  have  ever  found  that  these  high-strung  animals 
are  not  only  possessed  of  greater  intelligence  than  their  lesi 
sensitive  companions,  but  as  a  rule  they  are  na^re  killing 
dogs,  to  say  nothing  of  the  greater  pleasure  that  they  afford 
bjr  their  superior  style  of  going.  Should  his  temperament 
appear  to  be  what  you  desire,  thankfully  proceed  with  your 
pleasurable  task. 

You  must  be  careful  when  you  commence  his  lesson  that 
you  do  not  cross  him  by  beginning  when  he  has  something 
of  importance  upon  his  mind  that  will  distract  his  attention 
from  the  business  on  hand  ;  if  he  is  busy  with  a  bone,  or 
engaged  at  play  or  his  mind  appears  to  be  preoccupied,  leave 
him  quietly  alone  until  he  is  disengaged,  and  then  go  on  with 
the  lesson ;  by  pursuing  this  course  you  will  secure  his  un- 
divided attention,  and  not  only  save  time,  but  much  wear 
and  tear  of  your  stock  of  patience,  it  will  be  time  enough 
to  teach  him  that  he  must  leave  his  bone  or  cease  his  play  at 
your  command  when  he  is  a  little  older  and  a  little  further 
advanced  in  his  education ;  at  the  same  time  should  you  un- 
thinkingly order  him  to  do  anything  while  he  is  engaged, 
you  must  see  to  it  that  the  order  is  obeyed  at  all  hazirds,  for 
it  will  never  do  to  play  fast-and-loose  with  him,  nor  to  allow 
him  to  get  the  idea  into  his  head  that  he  can  ever  have  his 
own  way,  when  you  desire  the  contrary.  After  you  have 
taught  him  to  charge  readily  without  the  aii  of  your  hand  to 
force  him  down,  you  can  gradually  increase  your  distance 
from  him  when  you  give  the  order ;  and  if  you  are  very 
careful  to  make  him  instantly  obey  you,  and  do  not  allow  him 
to  take  even  a  single  step  after  the  command  is  given,  he 
will  soon  obey  the  order  as  far  as  he  can  hear  your  voice. 


CHAPTER   IV. 

THE   WHISTLE   AGAIN! 

"VTTHEN  our  pupil  has  become  so  well  established  in  the 
*  *  knowledge  of  what  is  required  of  him  that  he  will, 
when  at  quite  a  distance  from  you,  instantly  slop  at  the 
signal  of  the  upraised  hand  arid  retain  his  position  until  given 
permission  to  move,  we  will  advance  him  another  step,  and 
teach  him  the  meaning  of  that  other  sound  of  the  whistle, 
that  we  have  mentioned  as  being  used  to  attract  his  atten- 
tion. We  always  use  for  this  purpose  two  very  short,  quick 
toots,  with  the  second  one  folio  wing  the  first  instantly.  As 
the  meaning  of  this  signal  is  entirely  different  from  the  one  that 
he  has  become  accustomed  to,  so  should  the  sound  be  also  so 
different  that  he  can  never  mistake  the  one  from  the  other, 
n^r  for  an  instant  be  in  doubt  as  to  what  is  required  of  him 
when  he  hears  the  sound  of  the  whistle. 

As  much  depends  upon  first  impressions,  we  will  take  good 
care  that  we  start  right,  and  tbat  we  let  him  hear  the  first 
sound  of  this  signal  at  an  opportune  moment,  and  as  we 
wish  to  teach  him  that  this  sound  is  only  to  attract  his  at- 
tention, we  will  be  very  careful  that  he  is  not  looking  to- 
ward  us,  but  wait  until  he  is  at  some  little  distance  from  us, 
and  looking  the  other  way.  At  the  same  t;me  care  must  be 
taken  that  he  is  not  particularly  engaged  about  anything 
that  would  t;nd  to  distract  his  mind.  At  just  the  right 
time  you  should  sound  the  signal  in  a  short,  sharp,  quick  way, 
but  only  loud  enough  for  him  to  hear  distinctly,  and  he  will 
at  once  look  around  to  learn  what  this  means.  At  the  in- 
stant he  casts  his  eye  in  your  direction,  raise  your  hand  as  a 
signal  for  him  to  To  ho.  Be  very  sure  that  your  hand  is  raised 
at  the  proper  time,  for,  as  we  have  remarked  before,  first  im- 
presssions  are  very  important,  particularly  in  this  lesson,  and 
he  should  instantly  see  and  obey  your  signal,  thus  learning — 
if  this  course  is  always  pursued — that  the  two  short  blasts 
mean  nothiBg  in  themselves,  and  are  only  a  warning  to  call 


HIE  ON!  21 

h's  attention  to  something  of  importance  that  you  wish  him 
to  do. 

You  will  find  it  necessary  to  vary  this  or  he  will  come  to 
associate  this  signal  with  your  command  of  To  lio,  and  at 
once  stop  when  he  hears  it.  Now  we  wish  to  train  him  so 
thoroughly  in  this  that,  when  we  come,  a  little  later,  to 
teacli  him  to  quarter  his  ground,  he  wiU  not  slacken  his 
speed  at  the  sound,  but  merely  turn  his  head  in  your  direc- 
tion, and  quick  as  a  flash  obey  whatever  signal  you  may 
give  him ;  therefore,  when  you  repeat  this  lesson,  instead  of 
raising  your  hand  for  him  to  stop,  command  him  to  charge. 
Of  course  you  will  see  that  he  is  near  enough  to  hear  you 
plainly.  Perhaps  it  will  be  as  well  at  the  next  trial  to  sound 
the  long  note  as  soon  as  he  looks  around,  and  call  him  in, 
not  forgetting  to  abundantly  caress  and  praise  him  when  he 
performs  his  task  in  a  pleasing  manner.  We  think  it  a  very 
good  plan  to  always  have  in  our  pocket  something  good  for 
him  to  eat,  and  when  he  minds  this  long  note  and  comes  in 
quickly,  we  reward  him  with  a  bit  of  something  substantial 
as  well  as  with  fine  words.  This  system  of  rewards  must 
not  be  carried  too  far  nor  practiced  too  often,  but  used  oc- 
casionally when  he  performs  his  duties  in  a  satisfactory 
manner  ;  especially  when  he  comes  in  at  the  sound  of  the 
whistle  quickly  and  cheerfully,  a  little  piece  of  meat  will  at 
least  have  no  tendency  to  slacken  his  speed  when  next  be 
hears  this  signal.  This  instantaneous,  almost  electric  obedi- 
ence and  cheerful  alacrity  is  most  pleasing  to  witness,  espe- 
cially when  hunting  in  company  with  others  whose  dogs 
may  not  be  quite  up  to  the  standard  in  this  respect.  There- 
fore no  pains  should  be  spared  to  so  perfect  our  pupil  in 
this,  so  that  when  we  come  to  practical  work  in  the  field  his 
actions  shall  cause  us  no  disquiet  nor  reflect  discredit  upon 
our  skill  as  his  teacher. 

There  is  one  word  more  that  our  pupil  should  early  become 
accustomed  to,  and  it  will  be  well  to  introduce  its  use  almost 
at  the  beginning.  This  is  the  word  On.  You  can  use  this 
word  alone  or,  as  many  prefer,  you  can  say  Go  on  or  Hie  on. 
Either  or  all  are  well  enough,  and  your  pup  will  learn  the 


22  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING 

meaning  just  as  quickly  even  should  you  indiscriminately 
use  all  three,  as  it  is  the  word  on  every  time,  and  even  if 
you  should  paraphrase  it,  as  a  well  known  sportsman  is  in 
the  habit  of  doing,  and  order  you  dog  to  Git  on,  it  will  make 
DO  difference. 

Let  us  charge  you  once  more  to  be  sure  and  issue  all  your 
commands  in  a  decided  manner,  and  always  in  your  ordinary 
tone  of  voice;  and  do  not  fail  to  deliver  each  one  with  a 
falling  inflection,  for  we  never  yet  saw  the  man  who  issued 
his  orders  with  a  rising  inflection  but  was  sadly  bothered  to 
have  them  obeyed.     By  using  this  word,  or  any  <  f  the  above 
variations,  when  you  cluck  to  him  to  take  his  food,  he  will 
soon  understand  its  meaning  if  the  word  instantly  follows 
the  cluck.    Probably  he  will  get  the  two  mixed  at  first,  but 
as  you  practice  him  at  To  ho,  he  will  soon  learn  what  it  means; 
for  as  he  improves  in  this  and  becomes  steady,  b.3  should  be 
taught  to  point  at  gradually  increased  distances,  and  the 
word  On  should  be  used  to  move  him  up ;  and  in  a  short 
time,  if  this  is  properly  managed,  he  will  carefully  and 
steadily  "draw"  on  a  piece  of  meat  for  a  long  distance. 
Great  care  must  be  had  that  you  do  not  confuse  him  by 
seemingly  contradictory  orders,  for  he  now  tbinks  that  your 
cluck  and  On  mean  one  and  the  same  thirg,  and  in  order  to 
teach  him  the  diff  rence  you  must  omit  the  cluck  when  you 
wish  him  to  advance,  and  omit  the  On  when  you  wish  him  to 
eat  the  morsel  before  him.     This  can  be  readily  accompli -hed 
by  placing  the  meat  four  or  five  feet  from  him,  and  after  he 
has  pointed  it  a  short  time  tell  him  to  Go  on,  and  when  he 
is  close  to  it  make  him  To  ho  once  more ;  and  then  cluck  to 
him  as  a  signal  that  he  may  have  it.     We  always  partially 
omit  the  On  after  the  cluck,  as  soon  as  he  appears  to  under- 
stand its  meaning,  only  using  it  enough  to  keep  him  from  for- 
getting it,  and  as  soon  as  we  begin  to  teach  him  the  difference 
we  are  very  careful  not  to  use  either  one  in  place  of  the 
other,  until  he  has  the  lesson  well  learned  and  appears  to 
thoroughly  understand  both  signals,  when  we  can  safely  mix 
them  again ;  for  oftentimes  when  shooting  we  may  wish  to 
move  him  on,  especially  when  trailing  ruffed  grouse  when 


COMING-  TO  HEEL.  23 

the  capture  of  the  bird  depends  upon  our  absolute  silence, 
at  least  so  far  as  words  are  concerned ;  therefore  he  should 
be  taught  to  advance  at  the  sound  of  the  cluck  as  well  as 
the  word  On. 

When  well  accustomed  to  the  restraint  of  the- chain,  he 
should  be  taught  to  come  to  heel  and  qui-tly  walk  by  your 
side.  We  greatly  prefer  that  our  dog  should  keep  this  pcsi- 
tion  with  his  head  just  opposite  our  legs,  where  we  can  see  him 
without  turning  around,  instead  of  having  him  behind  us. 
In  order  to  teach  him  this, quickly  and  well, you  should  procure 
a  stick,  about  t*o  feet  long  and  an  inch  in  diameter,  and 
fasten  a  snap  at  one  end  of  it.  This  you  can  easily  accom- 
plish with  the  aid  of  a  bit  of  leather.  NJW  spring  the  snap 
into  the  ring  in  his  collar  and  take  a  little  walk  with  him. 
We  generally  manage  a  few  of  these  fir^t  lessons  at  his  usual 
meal  time  by  placing  his  dish  of  food  at  the  proper  distance 
before  we  take  him  in  hand.  He  should  know  nothing  of 
his  dinner  until  you  lead  him  to  it.  When  all  is  ready  lake 
a  firm  hold  of  your  end  of  the  stick  and  walk  along  at  your 
usual  gait,  coax:ng  him  to  follow.  Be  sure  and  have  the 
stick  at  the  right  angle  to  keep  him  ju=t  where  you  intend 
to  have  him  go.  After  one  or  two  s'eps,  and  when  you  have 
got  him  well  under  way,  you  must  say  He  I  to  him,  and  re- 
peat the  word  once  or  twice  as  you  walk  alonj:.  You  can- 
not expect  that  his  behavior  will  be  entirely  faulile-ss  upon 
the  first  trial,  but  no  matter  how  he  takes  it,  lead  him 
straight  to  his  dinner  and  at  once  unfasten  him  and  let 
him  eat.  After  a  few  lessons  of  this  kind,  he  will 
become  perfectly  reconciled,  and  you  can  gradually  ex- 
tend your  walk  and  occasionally  omit  giving  his  food 
at  the  end,  and  he  will  soon  learn  to  keep  his  place 
without  the  aid  of  the  stick.  Then  you  can  extend 
your  walks,  taking  care  to  be  very  gradual  in  the  increase 
of  time,  and  to  be  very  sure  that  he  implicitly  obeys  you  and 
does  not  leave  his  place  for  even  so  much  as  a  second's  time, 
until  you  bid  him  go  on.  If  this  lesson  is  thoroughly — now  do 
not  smile  at  my  frequent  repetition  of  this  word,  for  it  is  a 
word  that  we  are  very  fond  of,  and  one  tha*;  we  wish  to 


24  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

thoroughly  impress  upon  your  mind  as  being  of  (he  greatest 
importance  in  perfecting  our  pupil  in  Ms  education — if  this 
lesson  is  thoroughly  learned,  you  will  be  spared  much  trouble 
and  worry  in  the  future.  Should  you  have  occasion  to  walk 
the  streets,  you  will  not  be  obliged  to  whistle  at  every  turn, 
and  perhaps  to  wait  and  search  for  your  dog,  but  you  wlil 
know  just  where  he  is  and  what  he  is  doing.  Then  how 
much  better  is  it,  when  you  come  to  the  practical  application 
of  the  knowledge,  which  you  have  been  to  so  much  trouble 
to  impart,  and  take  your  dog  into  the  field,  to  have  him 
quietly  retain  his  position  by  your  side  instead  of  rushing 
wildly  around  at  his  own  sweet  will,  and  compelling  you  to 
shout  yourself  hoarse  and  to  unstring  your  nerves  in  a  con- 
tinual struggle  to  keep  him  within  bounds,  thus  placing  you 
at  a  double  disadvantage,  for  the  continual  nois3  not  only 
frightens  the  bird?,  causing  them  to  rise  out  of  shot,  but  the 
constant  worry  of  mind  and  strain  upon  the  nerves  is  a  very 
prolific  source  of  unsteadiness  in  shooting. 

Do  not  neglect  giving  your  pupil  plenty  of  prac  ice  at  all 
his  lessons,  as  well  as  the  one  just  commenced  ;  not  weary- 
ing nor  long  continued  practice,  but  just  enough  to  keep 
him  well  up  to  his  work.  If  you  have  a  spare  moment  give 
him  a  little  turn  at  To  ho,  ever  aiming  at  perfection ;  and  be 
sure  to  see  that  he  does  his  work  well,  and  never  allow  him 
to  perform  his  task  in  a  careless  or  slovenly  manner.  You 
should  also  practice  him  at  Charge,  until  he  will  not  only 
obey  the  order  readily,  but  retain  his  position  in  a  perfec  ly 
quiet  manner  until  you  shall  bid  him  Hold  up. 

He  should  be  made  to  Charge  when  you  are  out  walking 
with  him ;  and  taught  to  remain  quiet,  while  you  walk 
around ;  and  in  a  short  time  you  can  go  quite  a  distance, 
even  out  of  his  sight,  and  he  will  patiently  await  your  return. 
Your  orders  should  be  given  at  unexpected  times,  when  he 
is  not  looking  for  them.  By  this  course  you  will  teach  him 
to  be  always  ready  to  obey,  no  matter  when  nor  where  he 
may  hear  the  signal.  He  should  also  be  taught  to  hold  his 
position  at  To  7w,  while  you  walk  around  and  away  from 
him ;  for  it  frequently  happens,  when  trailing  birds,  that  you 


STRANGERS.  25 

wish  to  go  round  to  avoid  a  mud  hole  or  brier  patch,  and  if 
your  dog  has  been  well  trained  in  thi?,  by  witnessing  one  in- 
telligent performance  of  this  p' easing  accomplishment,  you 
will  be  more  than  repaid  for  all  labor  expended  in  teaching 
it  to  him. 

Many  dogs  will  pay  no  attention  to  strangers,  and  appear 
to  care  for  no  one  except  their  masters.  Should  your  pup 
be  inclined  to  notice  others,  and  give  you  any  trouble  in  this 
respect,  you  can  very  easily  teach  him  better,  by  having  some 
one  call  the  dog  to  him,  and  give  him  a  few  light  cuts  with  a 
switch ;  and  by  changing  your  assistant  every  time,  and  ad- 
ministering two  or  three  doses  of  this,  he  will  give  you  no 
further  trouble.  If  your  assistants  will  fondle  him  a  little 
before  administering  the~switch,  the  pup  will  all  the  sooner 
find  out  that  it  is  better  to  have  nothing  to  do  with  others 
than  yourself,  and  will  not  bother  you  later  by  running  to 
every  one  who  may  notice  him. 


CHAPTER  V. 

QUABTERIXC. 

WHAT  is  more  pleasing  to  the  eye  of  the  sportsman 
than  the  evolutions  of  a  well-trained  dog  as  he 
systematically  quarters  his  ground  ?  With  what  satisfaction 
and  pleasure  we  gaze  upon  his  graceful  motions  as  with  head 
high  in  air  he  gallops  across  the  wind,  ever  turning  at  the 
signal  or  the  promptings  of  his  own  good  judgment,  and 
crossing  just  in  front  covers  the  whole  ground !  Pardonable, 
indeed,  is  the  pride  of  the  sportsman  who  possesses  such  an 
animal,  for  well  we  know  how  rare  it  is  to  see  this  per- 
formance in  perfection. 

Many  dogs  seem  to  possess  a  sort  of  instinct  for  this,  and 
without  any  special  training  will  quarter  their  ground  very 
fairly  ;  while  others  appear  to  have  no  inherent  sense  of  the 
matter,  but  will  beat  straight  ahead  in  whatever  direction 
they  are  started,  and  neither  turn  to  the  right  nor  left,  nor 
stop  until  they  find  scent,  or  are  recalled  by  the  whistle. 
Should  your  pup  prove  to  be  of  the  former  class,  thank  your 
lucky  stars  for  the  kindly  fortune  ;  but  relax  not  your  efforts 
to  so  train  him  that  his  performance  shall  be  faultless.  On 
the  other  hand,  should  he  display  no  aptitude  for  this,  do  not 
despair,  for  with  proper  training  he  can  be  taught  to  acquit 
himself  very  fairly,  so  well,  in  fact,  that  his  performances  will 
compare  favorably  with  those  of  a  large  majority  of  other 
do;s  that  he  may  meet  in  the  field. 

Before  commencing  his  lessons  in  quartering  our  pupil 
should  fully  understand  the  meaning  of  the  word  "  On,"  and 
readily  move  forward  on  hearing  it.  He  will  also  have  ac- 
quired some  knowledge  of  the  meaning  of  the  motion  of  your 
hand  as  indicating  the  direction  that  you  wish  him  to  take 
from  the  practice  that  you  have  given  him  at  "  To  7u>."  For 
when  you  have  thrown  the  piece  of  meat  for  him  to  point, 
te  has  noticed  that  this  motion  is  invariably  in  the  direction 
that  he  saw  the  meat  thrown,  and  as  he  is  possessed  of 


QUARTERING.  £7 

reasoning  faculties  of  no  mean  order,  he  has  figured  it  all  out 
and  has  arrived  at  correct  conclusions  in  the  matter,  and  you 
will  find  upon  trial  that  he  will  readily  start  in  the  direction 
you  wish  him  to  take  at  the  first  wave  of  your  hand. 

While  instructing  him  in  this  b  anch  of  h's  education  we 
may  as  well  improve  the  opportunity  to  get  his  "head  in  the 
dr  where  it  belongs,  for  when  we  get  in  the  field  with  him 
we  shall  find  this  accomplishment  to  be  very  desirable ;  in- 
deed, I  always  adopt  th  s  plan  from  the  first  in  his  practice 
at  "To  ho"  unless  he  is  caturally  high-headed  ;  and  even  then 
it  can  do  no  harm.    You  must  be  sure  that  he  is  well  ad- 
vanced in  the  lessons  already  taught  before  you  attempt  to 
teach  him  this.     Then  when  he  is  very  hungry  take  him  into 
a  large  yard,  or  still  better  into  some  open  field  where  you 
will  be  frte  from  interruption  by  any  one,  and  having  pro- 
vided yourself  with  two  kinds  of  meat  (as  mentioned  in  his 
first  lesson  at   "To  ho"}  and  also  wi  h  two  or  three  sticks 
about  two  feet  long  and  as  thick  as  your  finger  and  sharpened 
at  each  end,  you  are  ready  to  commence  operations.     You 
should  always  enter  the  field  from  the  leeward  side  a  3  in 
actual  hunting ;  and  after  making  your  pupil  ch.a-ge,  you 
will    walk    away  from    him    about    twenty    yards.    Do 
not    go   dircc  ly  up    wind  but    diagonally   across;    thus, 
if  the  wind  is  west  you  will  go  to  the  northwest  or  south- 
west,  as  you   may    prefer ;  and   after  impaling    a   piece 
of  meat  upon  the  end  of  one  of  the  sticks,  set  the  other 
end  in  the  ground  just  firm  enough  to  remain  in  position. 
I  think  that  it  is  better  to  set  it  in  a  bunch  of  grass  or  low 
bushes,  that  it  may  be  hid  from  his  sight,  as  it  is  time  to 
teach  him  that  he  must  depend  upon  his  nose.     If  there  are 
no  bushes  handy  you  can  easily  carry  with  you  a  few  leafy 
-twigs,  or  if  in  winter  a  few  pine  boughs,  and  stick  down 
one  or  two  in  front  to  hide  it  from  view.     In  this  way  place 
one  or  two  more  pieces  at  some  little  distance  from  the  first 
one  and  also  from  each  other,   taking  care  to  put  them  so 
that  you  can  work  up  wind  toward  them,  and  be  sure  that 
you  do  not  forget  their  location. 
Now  return  to  your  pupil  and  praise  and  pet  him  for  his 


28  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

good  behavior  in  remaining  quiet,  and  reward  him  with  a  bit  of 
the  same  kind  of  meat  that  is  on  the  stick.  After  he  has  eaten 
it,  and  is  intently  watching  for  more,  take  another  piece  of 
the  same  kind  and  let  him  smell  cf  it ;  and  then  make  be- 
lieve throw  it  in  the  direction  that  you  wish  him  to  go, which 
should  be  at  an  angle  from  the  meat  upon  the  stick ;  thus,  if 
the  stick  is  northwest  from  you,  make  the  motion  toward 
the  north,  which  will  take  him  across  the  wind  and  also  bring 
him  near  enough  to  the  meat  to  smell  it  when  he  gets  opposite  it. 
Carefully  watch  him  and  the  very  instant  that  he  strikes  the 
scent  you  must  make  him  To  ho;  then  walk  UD  to  him  and 
praise  and  pat  him,  but  make  him  hold  his  position  while 
you  advance  and  pick  up  the  stick  and  take  the  meat  there- 
from and  put  it  in  your  pocket,  taking  good  care  that  he  hai 
a  good  view  of  the  whole  performance.  Now  abundantly 
reward  him  with  praise  and  give  him  a  piece  of  the  other 
kind  of  meat  to  eat. 

After  a  few  moments'  rest  you  can  prcceed  to  look  for 
the  next  piece  in  the  same  manner,  and  if  he  shows  no  sign 
of  weariness  you  can  continue  to  the  third.  Beyond  this  I 
do  not  think  it  advisable  to  go  at  the  firtt  lesion,  nor  even  so 
far  if  he  shows  the  least  sign  of  having  had  enough  of  it. 
Indeed,  in  all  his  lessons  and  practice  it  is  much  better  to  stop 
far  short  of  satiety  than  to  weary  and  perhaps  disgust  him 
with  too  lorg  continued  application.  Your  own  good  judg- 
ment will  generally  tell  you  when  to  stop,  and  you  will  find 
that  five  minutes',  or  even  one  minute's  practice,  that  leaves 
your  pupil  in  a  happy  frame  of  mind  induced  by  the  bestowal 
of  your  well  merited  praise  is  much  better  than  an  hour's 
that  finds  you  both  fagged  out  and  disheartened  by  the  fail- 
ure to  accomplish  satisfactory  results.  "We  have  learned  by 
experience  tbat  the  shorter  the  time  devoted  to  his  lessons 
the  better,  provided  that  he  is  practise  i  every  day,  several 
times  if  you  like,  and  a  satisfactory  performance  of  his  task 
obtained. 

After  a  few  lessons  of  this  kind,  if  he  goes  through  the  per- 
f  jrmance  in  a  satisfactory  manner,  you  can  venture  a  little 
further  and  try  him  with  a  turn  by  making  the  motion  in  the 


QUARTERING.  29 

wrong  direction.  Be  very  easy  and  go  careful  now,  for  much 
depends  upon  starting  rLhr.  When  all  is  ready  wave  your 
hand  in  just  the  opposite  direction  from  the  one  that  you 
have  been  accustomed  to,  and  when  he  has  taken  two  or 
three  strides,  sound  the  two  short  notes  with  your  whistle, 
and  at  the  instant  he  turns  his  head  toward  you,  wave  your 
hand  in  the  other  direction  and  proceed  as  in  former  lessons. 
Should  he  be  loth  to  turn,  you  must  use  good  judgment  and 
get  him  used  to  it  without  getting  him  discouraged ;  per- 
haps by  making  him  To  lio  when  he  refuses  to  turn,  and  then 
sending  him  in  Ihe  new  direction  you  will  get  safely  over  the 
difficulty.  But  it  is  seldom  that  you  will  have  any  trouble 
if  you  have  puisued  a  proper  course  in  his  earlier  lessons  and 
thoroughly  instilled  into  his  mind  that  he  must  obey.  We 
have  been  often  surprised  to  see  how  readily  our  pup  would 
at  the  first  trial  turn  and  take  the  direction  indicated,  thus 
showing  that  our  efforts  to  make  him  feel  confidence  in  us 
and  that  he  could  implicitly  trust  us,  were  crowned  with 
success,  and  that  instinctively  as  it  were  he  obeyc  d  the  motion 
of  our  hand,  although  thinking  that  the  meat  was  in  the 
opposite  direc  ion. 

After  you  once  get  this  first  turn  accomplished  the  rest  is 
comparatively  easy,  but  do  not  hurry  him  as  nothing  is 
gained,  and  much  may  be  lost  by  undue  haste ;  and  you  will 
find  that  if  you  drill  him  in  this  until  he  is  reasonably  per- 
fect before  going  any  further,  that  when  you  co:ne  to  try 
him  with  the  second  turn,  he  will  all  the  more  readily  com- 
prehend and  obey.  If  at  the  successive  steps  in  these  lessons 
you  are  through  with  each  one  before  attempting  the  next, 
you  are  sure  to  find  your  r jward  for  your  patient  labor  in  the 
great  satisfaction  that  you  will  experience  when  you  cast  him 
loose  among  the  birds  and  witness  the  practical  illustration 
of  your  wisdom  and  success  as  a  teacher  that  he  will  be  sure 
to  afford  you. 

It  is  better  to  confine  his  beat  to  quite  narrow  limits  at  first, 
as  this  will  keep  him  near  you  and  make  it  easier  for  you  to 
check  him  at  once,  should  his  performance  be  faulty.  Three 
or  four  strides  will  generally  be  found  sufficient,  and  in  some 


30  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

cases  even  less  will  be  found  enough,  and  occasionally  we 
may  have  a  pupil  whose  natural  ap;itude  for  this  may  be  in- 
dulged from  the  first  and  a  s  ili  wider  range  allowed  him ; 
but  in  either  case  the  range  shou'd  be  circumscribed  until  he 
appears  to  understand  what  is  required,  and  to  readily  and 
cheerfully  obey  your  signals  and  the  different  motions  of 
your  hand.  This  very  important  accomplishment  cannot  be 
taught  in  a  week  or  a  month,  indeed  you  will  do  very  well  if 
you  succeed  in  obtaining  fair  work  out  of  him  in  a  year ;  not 
but  long  before  this  time  he  will  beat  his  ground  in  a  manner 
that  will  cause  even  old  sportsmen  to  pronounce  him  a  prod- 
igy, but  as  we  are  striving  for  perfection,  we  will  not  be 
satisfied  with  a  mediocre  performance,  but  continue  persever- 
ingly  to  practice  our  pupil  until  he  will  not  only  regularly 
quarter  his  ground  in  front  of  us  and  instantly  obey  each 
signal,  but  will  wheel  of  his  own  accord  when  he  reaches  a 
a  proper  distance  or  comes  to  fence,  hedge,  or  stream  that  he 
should  not  cross.  This  knowledge  that  he  must  not  cross  a 
fence  or  hedge  without  orders  is  of  great  importance  and 
easily  imparted  by  working  him  along  a  fence  after  he  has 
learned  to  beat  his  ground  and  turn  at  the  signal.  He  will, 
after  a  few  lessons,  understand  what  you  desire  and  readily 
keep  within  bounds.  Should  he  at  any  time  transgress  and 
go  through  or  over  the  fence,  care  must  be  taken  that  he  re- 
turns at  once,  and  at  the  precise  spot  where  he  went  through. 
This  is  of  great  importance,  for  if  he  is  allowed  t:>  return  at 
any  other  point  the  chances  are  that  he  will  fail  to  realize  that 
he  has  done  wrong ;  but  if  you  insist  on  his  returning  at  the 
exact  place,  he  will  at  once  understand  that  something  is 
wrong  and  will  be  more  careful  in  the  future. 

While  our  pup  is  yet  young  he  should  become  accustomed 
to  the  water  ;  most  young  dogs  will  take  to  it  readily ;  but 
should  he  appear  to  have  any  fear  of  it  he  must  be  handled 
with  care  and  gradually  made  acquainted  with  it  in  such  a 
manner  as  shall  not  frighten  him.  When  he  has  acquired 
some  little  knowledge  and  you  begin  to  take  him  out  for  a 
walk  with,  you,  you  should  visit  with  him  some  small  stream 
or  shallow  pond  and  sit  down  on  the  bank  and  give  him  time 


QUARTERING  31 

to  get  acquainted  with  it.  If  he  shows  no  inclination  to  wet 
his  feet  you  will  find  it  a  very  good  plan  to  hold  a  piece  of 
meat  over  the  water  where  it  is  but  an  inch  or  two  deep,  and 
where  he  cannot  get  it  without  put' ing  his  feet  in  it.  By 
carefully  working  him  in  this  way  he  will  soon  learn  that  it 
will  not  hurt  him ;  and  in  a  short  time  he  will  fearlessly 
wade  across  the  shallow  stream  wi'.h  you  and  soon,  if  the 
right  course  is  pursued,  he  will  venture  anywhere.  You 
should  never  throw  him  in  no  matter  how  much  you  may  feel 
disposed  to  do  so,  but  rather  let  him  find  out  for  himself  that 
water  will  not  hurt  him,  and  he  will  soon  lose  all  fear. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

EETEIEVING. 

"OETRIEVING  is  an  accomplishment  that  nearly  ail  sports- 
J- u  men  place  ahigh  value  upon,  and  even  its  opponenta  gen- 
erally become  quick  converts  to  the  practice  as  soon  as  they  are 
fortunate  enough  to  own  a  dog  that  is  well-trained  in  this 
almost  indispensable  branch  of  canine  education.  We  have 
often  been  amused  at  the  sudden  change  in  the  mind  of 
some  of  these  out-spnken  adversaries  of  the  practice  upon 
their  acquisition  of  a  really  good  retriever.  How  quickly  their 
fears  that  it  will  make  him  unsteady  vanish  ;  how  soon  their 
beUef  that  it  will  ruin  his  nose  takes  flight,  and  henceforth 
the  system  has  no  stronger  advocate  until  they  get  another 
worthless  animal.  We  do  not  propose  to  argue  the  question 
here  as  to  whether  retrieving  is  detrimental  to  the  dog  or 
not,  but  will,  instead,  state  that  it  is  our  firm  belief  that  if 
our  dog  is  properly  trained  in  the  first  place,  and  kept  up  to 
his  work  as  he  should  be,  no  possible  harm  can  accrue  either 
to  his  nose  or  steadiness;  and  that  in  no  single  instance 
where  evil  results  have  ensued  was  it  the  fault  of  the  practice 
or  the  dog,  but  entirely  the  fault  of  the  man ;  for  the  dog  is 
certainly  not  to  blame  for  breaking  shot  and  chasing  the 
wing-broken  bird  when  his  master  sets  the  example.  Neither 
should  he  be  blamed  for  repeating  the  indiscretion.  Here  we 
can  see  that  the  check  cord  and  spiked  collar  could  be  used 
to  very  great  advantage,  but  we  should  by  no  means  test  its 
efficacy  upon  the  neck  of  the  dumb  animal. 

We  will  now  resume  our  lessons,  reserving  further  remarks 
upon  this  very  important  subject  until  we  come  to  actual 
work  in  the  field.  We  do  not  think  it  advisable  to  commence 
teaching  our  pup  to  retrieve  until  he  has  shed  his  puppy 
teeth,  and  his  permanent  set  are  pretty  well  grown ;  for  until 
this  time  his  mouth  is  generally  more  or  less  inflamed,  and 
his  first  teeth  are  sharp  as  needles ;  and  we  may  not  hope  to 


RETRIEVING.  33 

succeed  in  achieving  that  dainty,  delicate  mouth— that  is  so 
indispensable  to  the  good  retriever — as  certainly  as  we  shall 
if  we  wait  until  his  gums  are  hardened  and  he  has  become 
somewhat  accus  oined  to  his  new  teeth.  He  will  also  .have 
acquired  all  the  more  experience  with  the  added  days,  and 
will  all  the  more  readily  understand  what  you  require.  We 
shall  now  derive  no  little  benefit  from  our  so-called  "fancy 
training."  In  fact,  should  our  pupil  possess  no  natural  taste 
for  retrieving,  we  shall  find  it  almost  indispensable  ;  and 
should  he  prove  never  so  hard-headed  and  never  so  hard- 
mouthed,  we  may  rest  assured  that  with  the  help  of  this 
same  fancy  training  we  shall  be  able  to  bring  him  safely 
through,  and  that  no  doubting  fears  will  disturb  our  mind 
when  we  send  him  for  his  first  bird. 

Oar  pupil  should  be  well  up  in  all  his  lessons  by  this  time, 
and  so  perfect  at  To  ho  that  he  will  not  only  "  draw  "  on  a 
piece  of  meat  one  step  at  a  time,  but  he  must  be  also  so  well 
trained  that  when  you  cluck  to  him  as  a  signal  that  he  may 
eat  it,  he  will,  after  taking  it  in  his  mouth  instantly,  at  your 
command  of  To  7io,  hold  it  perfectly  still  and  deliver  it  into 
your  hand  without  any  hesitancy.  If  this  has  been  thoroughly 
taught  him,  one-half  your  task  in  teaching  him  to  retrieve 
is  accomplished,  and  you  will  find  it  an  easy  matter  to  com- 
plete his  education ;  for  you  will  have  no  trouble  in  inducing 
him  to  take  a  single  step  toward  you  when  he  has  the  piece 
of  meat  ii  his  mouth  ;  and  by  using  great  care  that  you  do 
not  tax  his  patience  too  much  by  an  undue  haste  to  perfect 
him  too  soon,  he  will,  in  a  short  time,  readily  take  two  or 
three  steps,  and  with  proper  care  and  good  judgment  on  your 
part  he  will  soon  learn  to  readily  bring  you  the  smallest  bit 
of  meat  from  across  the  yard,  and  to  deliver  it  into  your  hand 
intact. 

We  must  again  caution  you  to  go  very  slow,  and  to  be 
satisfied  with  a  very  little  progress.  In  this  lesson  especial 
care  must  be  had  that  each  successive  step  is  well  and 
thoroughly  learned  before  proceeding  any  further.  Thus,  when 
you  have  succeeded  in  getting  him  to  take  a  step  or  two 
toward  you,  do  not  try  him  at  a  longer  distance  until  he  has 


34  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

had  considerable  practice  at  this,  and  will  readily  come  il  e 
step  or  two  at  the  word  "  bring;  "  or  you  can  use  the  word 
"fetch  "  if  you  prefer,  but  do  not  use  more  than  one  of  them, 
at  least  until  your  pupil  is  further  advanced.  Of  course 
you  will  have  taught  him  to  come  to  you  when  called,  long 
before  this,  and  by  prefacing  your  call  with  the  word  bring, 
or  fetch,  it  will  not  be  long  before  he  will  understand  its 
meaning  ;  but  until  he  does  understand  it  and  comes  readily 
at  the  word  you  sho^d  cot  increase  the  distance. 

There  is  a  great  difference  ii  do:s  in  learning  this  ;  some 
of  them  will  give  ycu  scarcely  any  trouble  and  from  the  first 
appear  to  know  just  what  you  want  and  take  delight  in 
bringing  cnything  you  may  throw  for  them ;  while  others 
seem  to  b3  stupid  and  will  never  bring  anything  of  their  own 
accord.  The  first  is  a  natural  retriever  and  will  be  easily 
taught,  and  also  easily  spoiled.  The  last,  although  harder  to 
teach,  will  make  nearly  as  good  a  retriever  as  the  former  if 
the  proper  course  is  pursued.  We  very  much  dislike  that  a 
pup  should  retrieve  before  his  mouth  is  all  right  and  his  per- 
manent teeth  well  grown  ;  for  this  propensity,  if  indulged 
before  this  time  is  very  apt  to  give  you  a  hard-mouthed  dog. 
Hence,  for  this  reason,  we  never  encourage  a  pup  to  bring 
anything  while  at  play.  In  fact  he  should  never  for  a 
moment  be  allowed  to  think  that  he  is  u;  play  while  under 
instruction  in  any  of  his  lessons,  for  there  is  nothing  that  is 
so  conducive  to  bad  behavior  and  disobedience  as  this. 
Therefore,  make  him  realize  that  when  you  require  him  to  do 
anything  you  mean  work  and  not  play. 

Do  not  forget  that  he  must  never  be  allowed  to  eat  the 
piece  of  meat  that  he  has  held  in  his  mouth  or  brought 'to 
you,  but  that  he  must  be  rewarded  with  something  different. 
This  is  a  very  important  point,  and  you  will  find  it  very  use- 
ful in  perfecting  the  delicate  mouth  that  we  all  admire  so 
much.  You  must  also  insist  upon  instant  obedience  to  your 
command  to  drop.  This  can  be  obtained  at  the  outset  by 
practice  with  your  hand,  clasping  his  muzzle  as  we  have  be- 
fore described,  and  this  must  be  resorted  to  should  he  show 
the  slightest  inclination  to  hesitate  or  roll  the  morsel  around 


RETRIEVING.  35 

in  his  mouth ;  for  we  are  aiming  at  perfection  and  must  be 
satisfied  with  nothing  short. 

When  our  pupil  has  become  S)  proficient  in  this  that  he 
will  pick  up  a  piece  of  meat  and  bring  it  a  few  steps  and  de- 
liver it  safe  into  your  hand,  you  should  take  a  piece  of  cloth 
and  loosely  wrap  up  the  meat  inside  of  it,  and  commence  as 
in  the  first  place  by  putting  it  in  his  mouth  and  proceeding  as 
in  your  first  lesson  at  this.  He  will  proba^y  unders'and 
what  is  required  and  very  soon  perform  as  well  with  this  as 
he  did  with  the  bare  m~at ;  but  should  he  not  like  this,  you 
must  proceed  with  the  same  painstaking  perseverance  that 
we  have  endeavored  t )  impress  upon  your  mind  a 3  being  of 
the  utmost  importance,  until  your  end  is  attained.  You  will 
find  that  a  p'ece  of  old  cotton  cloth  that  is  clean  and  about  as 
large  as  your  two  hands  will  answer  admirably.  You  should 
let  him  see  you  wrap  it  around  the  meat,  that  he  may  the 
more  readily  understand  your  object,  and  if  he  gives  you  any 
trouble  you  must  be  very  careful  that  you  do  not  try  to  force 
him  too  fast.  Perhaps  you  will  find  it  expedient  to  leave  the 
meat  partially  exposed  until  he  understands  what  is  wanted. 
Or  you  can  merely  tie  a  shred  ot  the  cloth  to  it  for  a  while, 
and  very  gradually  increase  the  amount  until  you  have  it  en- 
tirely covered.  Your  knowledge  of  his  disposition  will  aid 
your  judgment  in  so  timing  his  lessons  and  in  so  conducting 
any  new  experiments  that  he  shall  not  become  disgusted  nor 
sulky,  thus  givirg  you  no  end  of  trouble.  Your  aim  should 
be  to  so  handle  him  that  his  lessons  shall  prove  a  source  of 
enjoyment,  and  he  be  ever  anxious  to  receive  your  instruc- 
tions. This  you  can  easily  accomplish  by  a  proper  system  of 
rewards  when  he  does  well,  and  by  lavishing  upon  him  un- 
stinted caresses  and  praise  when  giving  his  lessons.  To 
bring  about  this  result  you  may  find  it  advantageous  to  be 
charry  of  your  caresses  at  other  times  and  to  reserve  your 
words  of  praise  for  your  hours  of  practice :  but  this  will  be 
necessary  only  in  extreme  cases. 

When  our  dog  brings  in  his  birds  in  the  faultless  manner 
that  we  have  been  at  so  much  trouble  to  teach  him,  we  shall 
want  to  see  him  deliver  them  into  our  hand  in  the  same  fault- 


36  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

less  style.  And  to  secure  that  end  we  will  teach  him  to  come 
with  his  captive  directly  in  front  of  us  and  to  sit  on  his 
haunches  with  his  head  well  up  and  quietly  await  our 
pleasure.  Proceed  to  do  this  by  calling  h'm  up  in  front  of 
you,  and  placing  one  hand  upon  his  hipsand  the  other  under 
hi3  chin,  gently,  yet  firmly,  force  his  hind  parts  down  while 
you  hold  up  his  head,  at  the  same  time  telling  him  to  "  sit." 
This  will  be  enough  for  the  first  lesson,  and  by  continuing 
in  this  manner  he  will  soon  sit  at  the  word,  and  then  you 
can  give  him  the  order  every  time  that  he  brings  the  piece  of 
meat,  taking  care  that  he  sits  directly  in  front  of  you  every 
time  and  remains  quiet  for  a  second  or  two  before  delivering 
it ;  and  in  a  short  time  he  will  become  so  accustomed  to  this 
that  he  will  do  it  of  his  own  accord.  We  prefer  that  our 
dog  should  bring  his  birds  in  the  good  old-fashioned  way,  by 
taking  them  well  into  his  mou'h.  Tlrs  becomes  a  necessity 
when  the  bird  is  only  wing-broken,  and  to  our  mind  it  is  far 
more  preferable  at  all  times.  Especially  is  it  so  when  among 
close  lying  birds  ;  for  with  the  bird  in  his  mouth,  back  away 
from  his  nose,  he  will  not  be  nearly  so  apt  to  flush  game  that 
may  be  in  his  path.  Still  we  have  tra:ned  dogs  to  fetch  the 
bird  by  one  wing,  which  is  easily  done  by  taking  half  a 
dozen  of  the  stiff  wiug  feathers  of  any  game  bird,  or  if  those 
cannot  be  had,  those  of  a  fowl  will  answer.  These  should 
be  braded  together  and  then  sewed  in  p'a^a  with  stout  pack 
thread.  1  his  braiding  and  sewing  is  to  give  him  a  held 
with  his  teeth  so  that  he  will  not  be  obliged  to  grip  them, thus 
giving  him  a  hard  mouth.  This  should  be  regularly  used 
after  he  has  learned  to  bring  his  piece  of  meat.  Perhaps  it 
would  be  well  to  tie  a  bit  of  meat  to  it  at  first,  and,  when  he 
will  bring  it  readily,  a  small  stone  that  will  weigh  two  or 
three  ounces  should  be  attached  to  it,  and  as  he  improves 
you  can  gradually  add  to  the  we;ght  until  it  approaches  the 
weight  of  the  bird,  say  nearly  half  pound.  Care  should  bo 
taken  to  make  the  feathers  fast  to  the  stone  so  that  they  will 
not  come  apart.  We  do  not  recommend  this  st>  le,  but  as 
many  think  that  it  is  quite  an  accomplishment,  we  give  our 
method,  which  has  proved  succcs;f  ul.  Shou'd  you  wish  to 


RETRIEVING.  37 

adopt  th:s  cours3  you  should  confine  your  practice  entirely 
to  this  bunch  of  feathers,  and  when  he  brings  it  readily  you 
should  vary  the  performance  by  attaching  different  ar- 
ticles instead  of  the  stone— your  knife,  for  instance,  or  a 
bunch  of  keys  or  a  bit  of  wood,  and  by  always  making  him 
bring  by  taking  the  feathers  in  his  mouth,  he' will  readily 
learn  to  bring  his  birds  in  the  same  manner  if  you  show  him 
how  with  a  few  of  his  first  ones  by  placing  the  wing  in  his 
mouth,  or  perhaps  the  mere  showing  him  the  wing  will  be 
sufficient. 

Should  you  decide  for  the  old-fashioned  way,  you  should 
procure  a  soft  ball.  We  have  found  a  ball  of  lampwicking 
to  be  the  best  possible  thing  that  could  be  devised— it  is  soft 
and  just  about  the  right  size.  Th:s  shouM  be  stitched 
through  and  through,  so  that  it  will  not  unravel,  and  after 
he  brings  his  bit  of  meat  in  good  shape  you  can  try  him  wi'h 
this.  You  will  find  that  the  best  plan  to  pursue  is  to  com- 
mence at  the  beginning,  and  place  it  in  his  mouth  as  you  did 
the  first  piece  cf  meat,  and  to  pursue  the  same  course  by 
asking  only  one  rr  two  steps,  until  he  gets  accustomed  to  it. 
And  be  sure  and  do  not  try  to  accomplish  too  much  at  once, 
but  go  no  faster  t  'an  your  pupil's  progress  will  warrant. 
When  you  think  that  it  will  answer  to  order  him  to  pick  it 
up  and  bring  it  to  you,  watch  him  very  closely,  and  if  there 
is  going  to  be  any  troubla,  and  he  does  not  seem  inclined  io 
pick  it  up  readily,  you  must  instantly  go  to  him  and  place  it 
in  his  mouth,  and  be  content  to  let  him  bring  it  this  way  for 
this  time,  and  wait  until  he  is  very  hungry,  and  then  try 
him  by  tying  a  piece  of  meat  to  the  ball,  and  he  will  soon 
learn  what  is  required  and  give  no  further  trouble. When  he 
brings  his  ball  readily,  you  should  procure  some  feathers — 
from  the  body  of  a  game  bird  if  possible,  but  those  of  a 
fowl  will  do  very  well — and  commence  by  sewing  two  or 
three  of  them  en  the  ball;  and  as  he  becomes  accustomed  to 
them  you  should  add  more  until  the  surface  is  entirely 
covered.  This  will  accustom  him  to  feathers,  and  he  will 
not  refuse  to  take  a  bird  in  his  mouth  as  we  have  known 
some  dogs  to  do  that  were  really  good  retrievers.  We  should 


38  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

not  advise  you  to  require  your  pupil  to  bring  anything 
except  bits  of  meat  and  this  ball ;  until  he  does  this  in  good 
form  end  appears  to  fully  unders'and  what  you  require. 
Then  you  should  gradually  accustom  him  to  bring  other 
articles — a  half  sheet  of  newspaper  crumpled  into  a  baii 
the  s'ze  of  your  fist  is  a  good  thing  to  practice  him  on, 
always  remembering  to  commence  with  any  thing  new,  by 
first  carefully  placing  it  in  his  mouth  and  requir'ng  him  to 
bring  it  but  a  step  or  two  the  first  time.  This  may  fieem 
needless  to  you,  but  you  will  find  it  necessary  with  some 
dogs,  and  we  have  ever  found  that  the  best  results  have  been 
obtained  by  strictly  following  this  course,  no  matter  how  in- 
telligent our  pupil  may  be,  nor  how  willing  to  bring  anytmng 
that  you  may  wish  him  to. 


CHAPTER  VI.— CONTINUED. 

EETEI  LYING. 

Q1HOULD  you  desire  that  your  dog  become  proficient  in 
N-}  the  fancy  department  of  this  accomplishment,  there  is  no 
end  to  the  tricks  that  you  may  teach  him ;  but  until  he  is 
fairly  proficient  in  bringing  his  bit  of  meat  and  ball,  you 
should  confine  your  prac lice  strictly  to  these;  for  although 
he  may  understand  you  and  readily  bring  anything  that  you 
may  ask  him  to,  you  will  find  it  the  better  way  to  go  slow 
and  sure,  ever  bearing  in  mind  that  anything  that  is  worth 
your  while  to  teach  him,  should  be  taught  ia  a  thorough 
manner,  that  he  may  not  forget  it  should  it  happen  that  he 
should  go  a  few  days  without  being  call-.d  upon  to  perform 
it. 

We  like  our  dog  to  carry,  as  well  as  to  fetc\  and  deliver 
his  bird  to  our  companion  who  has  shot  it ;  and  we  wish  him 
so  well  trained  that  he  will  carry  any  article  and  lay  it  down 
at  the  word  "drop" 'in  any  place  that  we  may  designate. 
This  he  may  be  taught  to  do  understandingly  if  you  pursue 
the  proper  course  with  him.  To  teach  him  this,  you  will  re- 
quire an  assistant,  who  should  be  one  of  jour  own  family,  or 
some  one  that  the  dog  13  wdl  acquainted  wi  h.  When  you 
give  the  first  lesson,  your  assistant  should  be  a  few  feet  from 
you.  Calling  your  pupil  to  you,  give  him  his  ball  and  bid 
him  "  carry"  it,  at  the  same  time  motioning  with  your  hand 
in  Ihe  direction  that  he  is  to  go.  Your  assistant  should  not 
say  a  word,  but  should  merely  hold  out  his  hand  for  the  ball, 
and  when  the  dog  delivers  it,  I  e  should  praise  and  pet  him  a 
little,  while  you  shou'd  make  make  much  of  him,  and  if  he 
has  performed  the  task  in  a  pleasirg  manner,  reward  him 
with  a  bit  of  meat.  After  a  few  lessons  of  this  kind,  the  dis- 
tance can  be  gradually  increased  and  he  will  soon  carry  as 
far  as  he  can  see  your  assistant.  If  there  ia  any  difficulty  in 
getting  him  started  right,  let  your  assistant  take  the  ball  and 


40  TRAINING  «?.  BREAKING. 

send  him  to  you,  until  he  understands  what  is  wanted,  which 
he  will  do  after  a  few  lessons.    Of  course,  you  have  told  him 
to  "drop"  every  time  that  he  delivers  a  iy  thing  to  you,  andas 
he  knows  the  meaning  of  the  word,  it  will  be  an  easy  task  to 
teach  him.to  lay  down  his  ball  or  bit  of  meat  in  any  place 
that  you   may  wish  him  to.     In  order  that  he  may  learn  to 
do  this  in  a  proper  manner  and  readily  drop  his  burden  at 
the  word,  and  instantly  leave  it  without  regret  and  come  to 
you,  we  will  commence  at  the  beginning  and  give  him  tho 
ord«  r  for  the  first  time  when  he  is  close  to  us,  and  with  our 
hand  extended  as  if  to  take  it.    As  soon  as  he  opens  his 
mouth  the  hand  should  be  instantly  removed  and  the  article 
allowed  to  drop  on  the  ground.    At  once  praise  and  pet  him 
and  give  him  to  understand  that  this  is  all  right.     On  no  ac- 
count must  you  pick  up  the  article  or  he  may  be  led  to  think 
that  he  should  have  delivered  it  into  your  hand  as  usual,  nor 
should  you  allow  him  to  pick  it  up,  but  at  once  call  him 
away  and  interest  him  with  something  else.    This  will  be 
enough  for  the  first  lesson.    This  should  be  repeated  until 
he  appears  to  understand  what  is  required,  before  you  at- 
tempt to  increase  the  distance.    Your  pupil  must  be  made 
to  understand  that  when,  he  hears  the  order  to  drop  he  must 
instantly  lose  his  hold,  and  leaving  the  article,  at  once  obey 
whatever  signal  you  may  give  him.    You  should  so  teach 
him  that  when  coming  in  with  anything  that  you  have  or- 
dered him  to  bring  he  will  at  the  word  drop  it  and   wheel  at 
the  motion  of  the  hand  in  any  direction  that  you   m&y  indi- 
cate.   You  will  derive  no  little  benefit  from  this  accom- 
plishment should  you  ever  get  in  a  <l  hot  corner  "  on  a  duck 
pass,  and  not  only  save  yours:  If  much  worry,  but  also  spare 
your  dog  much  labor,  by  bidding  him  drop  his  dea  1  bird  and 
first  secure  the  wounded  one,  which  may  make  good  its  es- 
cape unless  attended  to  at  once.    The  same  thing  often  oc- 
curs in  quail  shooting,  and  many  birds  are  lost  that  might  bo 
brought  to  bag,  did  your  d  g  but   understand  this  fancy 
training. 

The  careful  reader  will  readily  understand  that  our  so- 
called  "fancy  training"  u  in  reality  not  so  useless  as  some 


RETRIEVING.  41 

would-be  critics  would  have  us  believe ;  but  is  a  part  of  our 
system  whereby  we  not  only  bring  out  our  pupil  a  "  killing" 
dog  but  we  make  of  him  an  intelligent  companion  and  elevate 
him  to  our  own  sphere,  as  it  were,  and  by  the  wonderful  de- 
velopment of  his  reasoning  faculties  we  not  only  greatly  in- 
crease his  capacity  for  intelligently  entering  info  the  enjoy- 
ment of  the  ever  changing  phases  of  our  woodland  sports,  but 
we  greatly  add  to  our  own  pleasure  in  witnessing  the  mar- 
velous manifestations  of  reason  and  intelligence  that  he  will 
display  in  his  encounters  with  some  wary  patriarch  of  the 
forest,  whose  tricks  and  subterfuges  wi.l  outvie  the  wily 
strategems  of  a  Tallyrand. 

There  are  many  things  that  you  can  readily  teach  your 
pupil  after  you  once  get  him  fairly  started  on  the  road,  for 
the  more  you  teach  him  and  the  mere  pains  you  take  with 
him  the  more  readily  will  he  understand  what  you  wish. 
You  must  use  great  caution  when  you  begin  teaching  him  to 
bring  anything  that  is  new  to  him ;  and  be  very  sure  that  he 
will  understand  your  orders  before  you  issue  them.  This 
point  is  worthy  your  careful  consideration  and  you  should 
strive  to  make  yourself  perfectly  understood  at  all  times. 
This  you  can  easily  do  by  closely  watching  his  disposition 
and  the  workings  of  his  mind  as  he  performs  his  tasks.  Some 
dogs  are  possessed  of  remarkable  reasoning  faculties  and  ap- 
pear intuitively  to  understand  just  what  you  wish,  while  others 
are  slow  to  learn  and  require  more  time  to  develop  their 
latent  powers.  From  personal  experience  we  are  well  satis- 
fied that  the  former  requires  to  the  full  as  much  painstaking, 
careful  handling  as  the  latter  in  ordtr  to  perfect  his  educa- 
tion, and  make  of  him  a  steady,  reliable  dog.  Therefore,  un- 
less you  wish  to  see  exemplified  the  truth  of  the  old  saying 
"quick  learned,  quick  forgotten,"  go  slow,  and  be  very  sure 
that  every  step  in  ecch  lesson  is  well  1  arned  before  yon 
advance  any  further.  You  should  never  ask  your  dog  lo 
bring  anythingthat  will  tax  his  powers  too  severely,  especially 
should  this  rule  be  observed  until  his  education  is  complete. 
Your  judgment  will  tell  you  better  than  to  bid  him  bring 
the  crowbar  or  a  piece  of  custard  pie ;  you  should  likewise 


42  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

refrain  from  asking  him  to  bring  you  anything  that  is  hard 
or  bulky,  at  least  until  he  has  arrived  at  maturity  and  is  well 
established  in  all  his  lessons.  Many  good  retrievers  are 
ruined  by  allowing  them  to  bring  articles  that  they  are 
obliged  to  grasp  hard  in  order  to  hold  on  to.  For  this  reason 
we  never  allow  our  dog  to  bring  our  knife  nor  anything  of  the 
kind,  for  just  so  sure  as  this  is  allowed  just  so  sure  will  the 
dog  acquire  the  habit  of  pinching  his  birds. 

We  once  owm  d  one  of  the  best  retrievers  that  we  ever 
saw.    In  an  evil  hour    we  bade  him  carry  into  the  house 
the  earthen  plate    from  wh:ch  he  had  eiten  his  dinner. 
After  this  it  became  the  regular  thing  for  him  to  do  at  every 
meal,  but  alas  that  dainty,  delicate  mouth,  which  had  been 
our  pride  and  boast,  wasgone  forever,  and  after  this  every  bird 
that  he  brought  that  was  not  stone  dead,  would  show  the 
marks  of  his  teeth.    We  are  well  aware  that  there  is  a  great 
difference  in  dogs  in  this  respect,  and  that  we  occasionally 
see  one  that  will  bring  anything  that  he  can  drag  along  and 
at  the  same  time  he  will  hardly  ruffle  a  feather  of  a  strug- 
gling bird ;  but  for  fear  that  you  may  not  possess  such  a  para- 
gon we  advise  you  to  be  very  careful  about  trying  any  ex- 
periments that  may  ruin  your  dog,  especially  when  there  is 
no  practical  benefit  to  be  derived  that  is  at  all  commensurate 
with  the  risk  that  you  run.     Your  hat  and  gloves  and  slip- 
pers, you  can  safely  allow  him  to  bring  you,  and  it  will  take 
but  little  time  to  teach  him  this  if  you  carefully  follow  the 
instructions  that  we  have  given.    You  can  even  teach  him 
by  constant  practice  to  distinguish  between  them  so  that 
when  you  send  him  for  either  one  he  will  make  no  mistake, 
but,  understanding  your  order,  bring  the  arlicle  you  wish. 
In  order  to  teach  him  this  you  should  first  accustom  him  to 
bring  each  article  and  at  the  same  time  to  take  pains  to  teach 
him  its  name.    Take,  for  instance,  your  hat,  and  after  plac- 
ing it  in  his  mouth,  bid  him   "bring  the  hat,"  and  be  sure 
to  use  the  same  language  every  lime  that  you  practice  him 
at  this.     The  same  course  should  be  pursued  with  the  gloves 
or  any  other  article  that  you  may  wish.    After  he  ha3  had 
practice  enough  to  bring  readily  the  article  des'red  you  can 


RETRIEVING.  43 

place  several  articles  close  together.  Put  your  hat  and  gloves 
with  his  ball  and  other  light  articles,  then  order  him  to  bring 
the  hat,  should  he  pick  it  up  at  the  fir  st  trial,  as  he  is  very 
likely  to  do,  you  must  praise  and  pet  him,  and  as  you  talk 
to  him  you  should  speak  the  word  "hat"  in  older  to  im- 
press upon  his  memory  the  meaning  of  the  word.  Th's 
should  be  done  in  an  intelligent  manner,  perhaps  by  saying 
he  "  is  a  good  dog  to  bring  the  hat,"  just  as  you  would  talk 
to  a  boy.  Should  he  pick  up  his  ball,  or  any  other  article, 
at  once  tell  him  to  "drop,"  and  repeat  the  order  for  the  hat 
and  do  not  allow  him  to  bring  you  anything  els?.  After  he 
brings  the  hat  readily  every  time,  you  can  change  to  some- 
thing else,  your  gloves  for  instance;  but  until  he  has  learned 
the  meaning  of  the  words  and  brings  the  articles  readily,  do 
not  place  the  hat  near  them,  nor  where  he  can  see  it,  as  it 
may  confuse  him.  When  he  has  become  accustomed  to  the 
gloves  you  can  place  the  hat  with  them  and  he  will  soon  un- 
derstand which  to  bring.  This  course  should  be  pursued 
with  each  article,  and  in  a  short  time  he  will  understand  the 
meaning  of  the  words  ;  and  when  you  send  him  for  any  ar- 
ticle that  you  have  thus  taught  him  the  name  of,  he  will 
seldom  make  a  mistake.  While  teaching  your  pupil  to  re- 
trive,  you  should  never  allow  yourself  to  become  careless- 
nor  let  him  do  this  work  m  &  slovenly  manner.  Always  in- 
sist upon  a  perfect  performance  of  his  task,  f  r  if  he  is  once 
allowed  to  depart  from  the  accustomed  manner  that  you  have 
taught  him  he  is  sure  to  get  the  impression  that  this  is  right 
and  pleasing  to  you,  and  you  will  have  a  harder  task  to  set 
him  right  than  you  would  to  have  kept  him  straight 
in  the  first  place ;  and  worse  than  this,  he  will  be 
be  very  liable  to  become  confused  and  fail  to  understand 
just  what  you  want;  therefore,  firmly  insist  upon  implicit 
obedience  to  your  ordesr,  and  never  allow  yourself  to  deviate 
one  iota  from  the  course  that  you  have  marked  out. 

We  have  ever  found  that  all  intelligent  dogs  &re  very  prone 
to  look  to  their  masters  for  guidance  and  instinctively  to 
take  their  cue  from  them  as  to  their  behavior.  You  should 
take  every  advantage  of  this  trait,  and  by  cool  and  collected 


44  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

behavior,  under  all  circumstances,  strive  to  impart  to  youi 
pupil  a  steadiness  that  will  ever  be  to  you  a  source  of  pride. 

This  trait  is  especially  to  be  cultivated  when  trying  to 
make  a  careful,  tender-mouthed  retriever.  You  should 
always  handle  with  the  greatest  care  any  article  that  you  are 
teaching  him  to  bring.  There  appears  to  be  something  in 
the  careful  manner  in  which  you  handle  the  object  that  is 
potent  to  impress  upon  his  mind  a  corresponding  carefulness 
in  taking  hold  <  f  it  that  is  not  apparent  when  tke  object  is 
roughly  thrown  upon  the  ground  ;  and  we  have  frequently 
taken  pains  to  go,  and  with  ostentatious  care  lay  the  article 
down  instead  of  throwing  it,  and  have  in  this  way  succeeded 
in  obtaining  the  best  of  results,  especially  when  our  dog  was 
a  little  inclined  to  be  rough  or  hard-mouthed. 

There  is  one  rule  that  we  have  carefully  observed  for  many 
years,  and  we  can  assure  you  that  it  is  well  worthy  your  con- 
sideration. "We  never  allow  a  pup  to  retrieve  a  bird  his  first 
season,  until  we  have  first  handled  it,  and  found  that  it  "was 
stone  dead.  You  should  allow  him  to  point  it  for  a  short 
time  and  then  daintily  pick  it  up  ;  and,  after  smoothing  out 
the  feathers  very  carefully,  lay  it  down  in  front  of  him, 
taking-  care  that  he  can  see  your  every  motion.  Now  retreat 
a  few  steps  and  very  quietly  bid  him  "bring  dead."  By 
pursuing  this  course  you  will  improve,  not  only  his  mouth, 
but  his  steadiness  as  well ;  and  also  give  him  a  chance  to  be- 
CDme  acquainted  with  the  difference  in  the  scent  between  a 
live  and  a  dead  bird;  and  so  render  him  less  liable  to  make  a 
mistake  by  pouncing  upon  a  close-lying  bird  that  chances  to 
be  near  where  he  has  marked  the  dead  bird  down. 

Having  intimated  in  the  first  chapter  that  we  are  in  favor 
of  using  the  whip  when  ft  is  needed,  we  will  biiefly  explain. 
As  we  have  before  stated  we  never  use  the  whip  until  our 
pupil's  education  is  complete,  and  there  is  no  occasion  to  re- 
sort to  it  even  then,  unless  our  orders  are  willfully  disobeyed. 
When  we  find  that  our  pupil  is  willful,  and  deliberately  re- 
fuses to  perform  his  task,  we  seek  occasion  to  give  him  a 
lesson  that  he  will  never  forget.  We  are  very  careful  to 
select  an  occasion  for  punishment  when  the  order  disobeyed 


RETRIEVING.  45 

is  of  a  passive  character,  like  To  ho  or  Charge,  as  better  re- 
suits  are  obtained  than  when  the  command  is  of  an  active 
nature.  Provided  with  a  heavy  whip,  we  take  the  oppor- 
tunity when  our  pupil  is  very  much  engaged  about  something 
that  will  be  pretty  sure  to  cause  him  to  disobey,  and  give 
him  the  order  to  Charge.  If  we  are  positive  that  he  plainly 
understands  and  willfully  refuses  to  obey,  we  instantly  take 
him  by  the  collar  in  such  a  macner  that  he  cannot  bite  nor 
breakaway,  and  repeating  the  order,  strike  him  once  with 
all  our  force.  Retaining  our  hold,  we  calmly  wait  without 
speaking,  long  enough  to  slowly  count  ten.  We  then  repeat 
the  order  end  blow  simultaneously.  This  we  continue  until 
our  judgment  tells  us  that  he  has  had  enough.  You  may 
depend  upon  it  that  a  dozen  blows  thus  administered  will  ac- 
compl'sh  more  in  the  way  of  reform  thsn  a  hundred 
thrashings  as  generally  inflicted,  for  your  pupil  not  only 
knows  why  he  is  punished,  but  he  has  plenty  of  time  between 
the  strokes  to  reason  it  aU  out,  and  he  will  surely  come  to  the 
conclusion  that  you  really  want  him  to  charge  when  you  give 
the  order  ;  and  that  the  best  thing  that  he  can  do  is  to  in- 
stantly obey.  Unless  he  is  uncommonly  stubborn  you  will 
find  that  one  or  two  such  whippiLgg  will  last  him  his  lifetime. 
5Tou  must  be  very  careful  to  issue  your  commands  in  your 
ordinary  tone  of  voice ;  and  on  no  account  must  you  display 
the  least  sign  of  aiger  or  impatience ;  and  as  soon  as  you  are 
through  with  the  punishment  you  must  speak  a  few  kindly 
words  to  him  in  order  to  let  him  understand  that  you  are 
still  his  loving  friend.  As  soon  as  he  recovers  a  little,  you 
should  repeat  your  order,  while  he  will  at  once  obey,  when 
you  must  pet  and  praise  him  without  stint,  thus  indellibly 
impressing  upon  his  mind  that  the  way  of  the  canine  trans- 
gressor is  hard  and  that  obedience  will  bring  a  sure  reward. 
We  very  much  dislike  to  punish  a  dog ;  but  if  this  has  to  be 
done,  we  greatly  prefer  that  the  lesson  should  be  givenbefcre 
we  take  him  into  the  field,  as  the  knowledge  thus  imparted 
may  prevent  the  necessity  of  resorting  to  this  extreme  when 
among  the  birds. 


I 


CHAPTER  VII. 

IX   THE   FIELD. 

N  the  preceding  chap'ers  all  of  cur  work  has  been  of  a  pre- 
liminary charac'er.  We  have  expended  much  time  and 
patience  in  order  to  perfect  cur  pupil  in  the  rudiments  of  the 
edtication-tbat  is  so  indispensable  to  that  pride  of  the  sports- 
man's heart,  a  g  x>d  dog.  Long  ago  we  thought  our  pet  was 
just  about  perfection  in  the  performance  of  his  duties  and 
have  anxi  usly  awaited  the  coming  of  the  crisp  October  daya 
that  we  might  put  to  the  test  our  hopes,  and,  by  actual  trial 
in  the  field,  demonstrate  how  much  of  wisdom  pertains  to 
the  course  tbat  we  have  pursued.  Do  we  live  amon:;  the 
forest -crowned  hills,  the  home  of  the  lordly  ruffed  grouse  ; 
long  ago  we  have  located  several  broods  cf  these  regal  bird?, 
and  as  we  have  paid  them  an  occasional  visif,  how  our  blood 
has  warmed  up,  how  our  nerves  have  thrilled  as  we  fondly 
dreamed  cf  the  spirt  in  r tore  for  us  when  the  falling  leaf 
should  proclaim  that 

The  hunter's  glorious  days  have  come, 

The  best  of  all  the  year ; 
When  through  the  woodland  shales  we  roam 

With  royal  sport  to  cheer. 

Should  our  home  be  toward  the  setting  sun  on  the  broad 
prairio,  whose  vast  expanse  teems  with  numberless  broods  of 
the  toothsome  chicken,  with  ever-growing  delight  and  satis- 
faction have  we  wi'nes=ed  from  day  to  day  the  added 
strength  of  the  whirring  pinion,  and  with  ever-increasing 
impatience  at  laggard  time's  slow  flight  have  we  awaited  the 
dawn  of  the  auspicious  day  that  brings  such  wealih  of  joy  to 
the  sportsman's  heart.  Or,  perchance,  our  hopes  of  happi- 
ness are  turning  to  the  pride  of  the  stubbles,  the  gamy,  beauti- 
ful quail.  How  eagerly  have  we  beaten  the  feeding  grounds, 
and  as  the  merry  bevy,  with  tumultous  roar,  have  burst  upon 
our  sight,  how  have  we,  with  throbbing  pulse,  watched  the 
flitting  wings,  aid  cirefu'ly  marked  their  flight  as  they 


/JV  THE  FIELD.  47 

settled  in  the  friendly  cover  or  upon  the  distant  hillside. 
What  visions  of  lithe  bounding  forms  suddenly  transformed 
into  living  statues,  mingled  with  flashing  brown  sprites,  the 
crack  of  the  gun,  and  the  cloud  of  fleecy  feathers  floating  in 
air.  have  filled  us  with  anticipated  satisfaction,  as  we  thought 
ef  the  pleasure  in  store  for  u§  when  the  early  fiosts  should 
caii  us  forth  to  the  field.  Or  do  thoughts  of  that  long-billed 
aristocrat  of  birds,  "woodcock  the  magnificent,"  alone  en- 
gage our  thoughts.  Well,  we  know  their  sure  abiding  place, 
and  as  we  have  paid  them  our  devoir  and  seen  them  dart 
'through  the  openings,  and  heard  their  querulous  whistle, 
how  have  we  thought  that  the  sere  and  yellow  leaf  would 
soon  be  here  to  bring  to  us  most  royal  sport.  Do  not  look 
upon  this  as  a  digression,  for  we  dearly  love  the  pursuit  of 
every  one  of  these  favorites;  and  we  hope  that  you,  dear 
reader,  like  ourselves,  will  so  train  your  dog  that,  no  matter 
where  your  lines  are  cast,  your  pleasant  sport  is  sure. 

Our  favorite  sport  since  childhood  has  been,  the  pursuit  of 
that  best  of  all  game  birds,  the  magnificent  ruffed  grouse, 
and  we  have  ever  found,  when  our  dog  was  anywhere  near 
perfect  in  circumventing  this  most  wily  bird,  that  but  few 
days,  or  perhaps  hours,  of  practice  were  required  to  make 
him  equally  adept  In  the  pursuit  ot  any  of  the  others.  Many 
writers  pronounce  this  beautiful  bird  unfit  to  train  a  dog 
upon ;  they  rail  against  his  subtle  cunning,  and  are  unstinted 
in  condemning  his  swiftness  of  wing;  and  they  will  give  you 
columns  in  disparagement  of  his  preternatural  wisdom, 
which  they  miscall  wildness,  and  earnestly  advise  you  to 
keep  your  young  dog  away  from  the  ruffed  grouse's  haunts. 
Notwithstanding  the  evident  sincerity  of  these  writers,  we 
must  beg  to  differ  from  their  views,  and  can  only  regret  that 
their  knowledge  of  the  habits  of  this  king  of  birds  is  not 
equal  to  their  skill  in  framing  sentences  for  his  vilification. 

Having  decided  to  give  our  pupil  his  first  practical  lesson? 
with  this  most  potent  instructor  as  our  co-worker,  let  ue 
"  Me  away  to  the  fields  with  eager  dog  and  trusty  gun,"  ana 
test  the  f-port  so  long  anticipated.  Our  pupil  should  be  kept 
at  heel  until  we  reach  the  usual  haunt  of  the  birds,  when  he 


43  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

should  be  encouraged  to  go  on.  Let  him  go  where  he  please^ 
taking  care  only  to  keep  him  within  bounds  and  al  ways 
under  your  eye,  that  you  may  see  just  what  he  is  doing.  Do 
not  bother  him  with  any  orders,  if  you  can  possibly  avoid  it ; 
above  all,  do  not  make  him  beat  each  particular  corner  that 
you  may  think  desirable,  but  rather  allow  him  to  take  the 
lead  and  to  have  his  own  sweet  \7ii1,  content  to  follow  him 
until  he  IHS  gained  some  little  insight  and  become  some- 
what accustomed  to  ths  new  life  just  opening  before  him. 
See  with  what  eager  p'eisure  he  explores  the  h'dlen  mys- 
teries of  the  covert,  h  >w  his  every  graceful  motioa  tells  of 
joy ;  how  his  sparkling  eyes  mirror  his  delight ;  but  look, 
and  proudly  fe ;st  your  eyes  upon  the  welcome  sight,  he  has 
discovered  that  something  is  in  the  wind  and  tin 
" heaven  bora  instinct "  within  has  froz3a  him  rigid  as  tb.3 
reck  by  his  side.  Choke  down  tbat  rising  lu:np  in  your 
throat ;  quiet  the  quick  throbbing*  of  your  heart ;  aad, 
while  blessing  your  good  fortune,  be  cool  and  collected,  for 
never  more  need  of  cool,  deliberate  action  than  now.  Your 
dearest  foe  is  tear,  and  faltering  eye  or  trembling  hand  will 
insure  his  triumphant  escape  and  cause  you  unwelcome  dis- 
comfiture. Do  not  hurry,  but,  with  deliberate  haste,  walk 
forward  and  force  a  lise;  calmly  now,  and,  as  though  on 
parade  and  about  TO  shoot  at  a  chip  tossed  in  air,  coo!y 
bring  y^ur  gun  into  position,  glance  along  the  trusty  bar, 
rels  and,  with  " eye  of  faith  and  finger  of  instinct,"  "cut 
loose,"  and  fortune  grant  your  aim  be  true !  The  chances 
are  greatly  against  your  obtaining  a  clo  e  shot  "at  the  first 
rise,  unless  among  young  and  unsophisticated  birds ;  but 
shoot  you  must,  nevertheless,  even  should  the  flashing  form 
be  far  beyond  your  reach  or,  as  very  often  happens,  entirely 
out  of  sight,  for  we  have  not  done  with  him  y«.t ;  and  mo  t 
potent  is  the  Bound  of  gun  and  whistle  of  the  hurtling  lead 
to  drive  from  his  crafty  brain  the  wisdom  that  causes  him  to 
shun  our  close  acquaintance.  Should  your  shot  prove  deadly 
and  the  conduct  of  your  dog  be  all  that  you  could  wish,  with 
a  loving  pat  and  kindly  words,  lead  your  pet  straight  to 
your  victim  and  as  soon  as  his  semidve  nose  locates  t.h« 


IN  THE  FIELD.  19 

bird,  at  OEce  pet  and  praise  him -without  stint  and  talk  to 
him  as  to  an  intelligent  companion.  After  a  few  seconds 
you  should  p!ek  up  the  bird  in  a  dainty  manner,  and  while 
carefully  smoothing  out  the  fca  hers,  allow  the  dog  to  snuff 
the  grateful  perfume,  but  on  no  account  let  him  mouth  it, 
nor  poke  his  nose  among  the  feathers,  thus  teaching  him 
that  the  greatest  care  must  be  taken  that  not  a  feather  should 
be  displaced. 

When  your  pup  first  shows  sign  that  he  has  scent,  do  not 
on  any  account  speak  to  him  nor  make  any  sign,  but  allow 
him  to  act  his  own  pleasure.     Should  he  go  through  the  try- 
ing ordeal  to  your  satisfaction,  congratulate  yourself  that  yon 
are  possessed  of  a  wonder;  should  his  earnest  inclination 
overpower  his  innate  sense  of  duty  and  cause  him  to  become 
unsteady  and  flush  the  bird,  you  must  at  once  call  him  in 
and  place  him  as  near  as  maybe  in  the  exact  position  that  he 
fxjcupied  when  he  should  have  pointed,  and  commanding 
min  to  to-/wt  give  him  to  understand  that  you  are  displeased 
with  the  performance.     If  you  have  killed  the  bird,  and  can 
readily  find  it,  you  will  add  to  the  f  orc3  of  this  lesson  if  you 
oblige  him  to  retain  his  position  while  you  go  and  bring  it 
to  him,  and  as  ycu  hold  it  a  foot  or  two  from  his  nose,  repeat 
your  command  of  to-Jio.    This,    you  will  find,  will  cause 
him  to  be  more  careful  in  the  future.    Should  he  become 
demoralized  at  the  rise  of  the  bird  ard  give  chase,  do  not 
despair,  but   calmly  say  to-7i\  and  if  he  disregards  the  com- 
mand, let  him  go,  and  be  thankful  that  he  has  ambition,  con- 
soling yourself  with  the  knowledge  that  in  a  short  time  you 
can  eradicate  the  fault,  while  the  virtue  will  remain  and 
afford  you  great  satisfaction  in  the  future.   When  he  re  urns 
you  should  at  once  replace  him  in  the  position  from  which  he 
broke,  and  make  him  to-ho  for  a  short  time,  while  you  talk 
to  him  abouf  the  enormity  of  the  cffence.     It  is  EOt  advis- 
able to  shoot  wh<n  he  starts  to  chasi>,  as  should  you  kill,  he 
may  seize  the  bird  and  handle  it  too  roughly  for  his  future 
good.    Ntither  does  the  sound  cf  the  gun  exercise  a  steady <= 
ing  influence  upcn  his  excited  nerves.    Above  all  else,  do 
not  fail  to  keep  perfectly  cool  yourself  under  all  circumstances, 


50  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

and  to  issue  all  your  commands  in  your  ordinary  tone  of 
Voice,  f_r  there  is  nothing  so  conducive  to  unsteadiness  in 
your  dog  as  his  knowledge  of  the  fact  that  you  are  demoral- 
ized, and  he  is  sure  to  becjme  possessed  of  this  knowledge 
almost  before  it  is  apparent  t:>  you.  Therefore  earnestly 
strive  to  retain  your  self  cjntrol,  for  without  that  you  can 
never  succeed  in  turning  out  a  steady  dog. 

Should  your  bird  escape  the  first  onslaught,  let  no  common 
occurrence  prevent  you  from  immediately  following  him  up. 
Do  not  undertake  this  in  a  half  hearted  manner,  but  put  your 
•whole  soul  into  the  work  and  rest  not  until  you  have  again 
routed  him.    Give  him  a  shot  as  he  rises,  and  if  he  again  es- 
capes be  not  discouraged,  but  with  renewed  efforts  try  him 
again,  secure  in  the  knowledge  that,  can  you  but  find  and 
keep  him  moving — although  he  may  be  the  wisest  and,  con- 
sequently,  the  wildest   grouse   of   them  all — at  last  your 
reward  is  sure;  at  last,  utteily  demoralized  by  the  relentless 
p  rsistency  of  your  pursuit,  he  has  changed  his  tactics,  and, 
q  iietly  crouching  on  the  ground  with  feir  a  id  trembling, 
waits  for  you  to  pass.    Fatal  mistake !    The  keen-nosed  dog, 
more  eager  at  each  successive  defeat,  again  bcc  >mes  statues- 
que aud  unerringly  indicate!  the  bird's  hiding  place.    N  >w  is 
the  supreme  moment.    With  nerves  of  steel — hardened  by 
the  excitement  of  the  long  continued  chase— you  literally  kick 
him  from  his  retreat  and  cooly  bring  him  down.    What  sat- 
isfaction is  in  ycur  heart  as  you  smooth  his  b  aut'f  til  plum- 
age.   What  light  is  in  your  eye  as  you  gaz2  upon  his  plump 
form.    What  pride  is  yours  a3  you  complacantly  view  the 
noble  prize  so  gallantly  won.   A  glance  at  the  speaking  coun- 
tenance of  your  four-footed  friend  tells  you  that  he,  too,  is 
happy ;  and,  our  word  for  it,  a  few  diys  among  these  craf  y 
birds  will  do  more  to  develope  the  hunting  sense  of  an  intelli- 
gent animal  than  thrice  the  time  devoted  to  the  pursuit  of  any 
other  game. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

IN  THE  FIELD. 

HOW  rare  it  is  to  see  a  stric;ly  first-class  dog.  Good  ones 
we  may  find  in  abundance  ;  but  the  paragon,  who  has 
no  failings  and  all  the  virtues,  is — although  often  heard  of — 
seldom  seen.  Glancing  back  through  the  many  years  that 
we  have  ardently  followed  the  delightful  sports  of  the  field 
we  can  call  to  mind  but  few  among  the  many  dogs  that  we 
have  seen  afield  that  come  up  to  our  standard  of  excellence, 
and  thos?,  almost  without  exception,  received  their  early 
training  amcng  the  ruffed  grouse.  There  is  something  per- 
taining to  the  pursuit  of  these  must  canning  birds  that  is  po- 
tent to  sharpen  the  wits  and  develop  the  intelligence  of  your 
dog  that  you  will  fail  to  find  accompanying  the  pursuit  of  any 
other  game.  It  is  for  this  reason  that  we  endeavor  to  give 
our  dog  his  first  lessons  in  the  field  upon  this  bird.  We  are 
well  aware  that  more  than  one  writer  of  renown  strongly 
condemns  this  best  of  birds  as  totally  unfit  to  train  a  dog 
upon,  taking  the  ground  that  they  are  so  very  difficult  to 
bring  to  bag  ihat  the  dog  becomes  discouraged.  We  know 
that  the  reverse  of  this  is  true,  for  we  have  given  scores  of 
youngsters  Iheir  first  tuition  among  these  noble  birds,  and 
we  have  yet  to  see  the  one  who  showed  the  fir^t  indication  of 
anything  of  the  kind ;  on  the  contrary,  we  have  ever  found 
that — after  one  or  two  successful  encounters  with  these  most 
wary  birds — no  matter  how  long  and  unsuccessful  the  chase, 
our  pupils  ardor  was  not  checked  in  the  least,  but  seemed  to 
IEC  ease  with  each  successive  defeat. 

As  we  have  before  rematked,  it  is  better  that  nothing  be 
said  to  ycur  dog  upon  his  first  introduction  to  gime,  at  least 
so  long  as  he  does  nothing  wrong,  as  this  is  an  entirely  new 
experience  to  him,  and  should  you  bother  him  with  orders  he 
may  become  confused  and  fail  to  perform  nearly  as  well  as 
he  would  if  left  entirely  alone..  Great  care  must  be  taken 


52  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

that  he  be  not  kept  too  long  at  work.    We  have  ever  found 
that  the  best  results  were  obtained  -when  we  have  taken  our 
dog  home  after  an  hour  or  two,  or  even  sooner,  when  his  per- 
formance had  been  satisfactory.     We  have  of  ten  taken  him 
home  at  the  end  of  a  few  minu'eseven,  when  everything  had 
gone  just  right  and  we  had  by  abundant  praise  and  cares?e 3 
impressed  indellibly  upon  frs  mind  that  h:s  behavior  wa? 
pleasing  to  us,  thus  leaving  him  to  pander  over  the  matter  in 
a  happy  state  of  m  nd  that  would  cause  him  to  look  forward 
with  eager  anticipation  to  future  enjoyment  of  other  blissful 
hours  among  the  bird?,  instead  of  goinr  on  and,  possibly,  be- 
ing obliged  to  t  ike  him  off  at  a  time  when  something  of  a 
disagreeable  »ature  had  occurred  that  would  exert  a  depress- 
ing influence  upon  his  suscc  ptable  mind  and,  perhaps,  cause 
him  to  dread  or,  at  least,  to  feel  indifference  about  repeating 
the  performance.    After  one  or  two  outings,  and  he  has  be- 
come s  unewhat  accustomed  to  the  new  experience,  you 
can  safely  commence  to  teich  him  as  to  what  ha  may  and  may 
not  do;  you  can  in  a  measure  control  hn  range  and  dictate  a3 
to  the  direction  that  y)u  wish  him  to  take,  using  great  car 3 
that  you  do  not  restrain  him  too  much  at  first,  bu*;  very 
slowly  and  by  easy  slepa  gradually  teach  him  to   look  to 
you  for  guidance  ;  and  if  you  pursue  th.2  proper  course  In 
will  soon  obey  your  lightest  word  as  readily  as  when  taking 
his  regular  lessons  at  home.    Thnresu't  cm  be  obt  lined  in 
this  manner  much  sooner  and  much  bat'er  than  by  tying 
tocon'rolhirn  and  to  make  him  do  everything  jus1:  right 
from  the  start,  only  bear  in  miad  that  when  you  do  o-d}r 
him  to  do  anything  insist  upon  prompt  obedienc3  eve-y  time. 
Among  the  first  things  that  you  should  endeavor  to  instil 
into  his  mind  is  the  knowledge  that  he  must  "work  to  the 
gun. "    This  can  be  very  easily  accomplished  if  you  will  pursue 
the  proper  course.     la  the  first  place,  under  no  circumstan- 
ces should  he  be  allowed  to  flush  the  birds.    Not  so  much 
perhaps  that  it  will  make  him  unsteady,  for  many  dogs  can 
be  taught  to  flush  their  birds  to  order   without  detracting 
from  their  steadiness,  but  such  a  course  we  have  ever  found 
decidedly  unsteadies  the  wary  grouse  and  renders  them  less 


IN  THE  FIKLD.  53 

liable  to  lie  close  than  when  they  are  walked  up  by  the  hunt- 
er. This  is  a'so  the  case,  although  in  less  degree,  with  the 
quail.  With  the  woodcock  we  d>  not  believe  that  it  makes 
much  difference,  yet  we  would  ad  visa  under  all  circumstan- 
ces, no  matter  how  great  the  temptation,  your  dog  be  not 
allowed  to  fl  ish  his  bird,  for  many  really  g  }bd  dogs  are 
ruined  by  this  practice,  besides,  as  a  rule,  the  more  kill- 
ing, as  well  as  sp  jrtsmanlike  way,  is  to  walk  up  your 
bird.  This  practice  you  will  fi-d  will  soon  make  you  a 
better  shot  than  you  can  ever  hope  to  be  if  you  constantly 
keep  in  ihe  openings  and  trust  t )  the  chances  there  to  be 
obtained.  Your  dog  will  also  improve  much  faster  if  you 
pursue  this  course,  for  he  will  instinctively  realize  that  you 
are  with  him  body  and  soul,  and  consequently  he  will 
put  forth  his  best  efforts  and  soon  learn  the  gra':d  secret  of 
"  working  to  the  gun."  This  very  valuable  trait  is  rarely 
found  in  a  dog  unless  the  gun  has  first  set  the  example  by 
working  to  him.  Ponder  this  well  and  try  to  realize  what 
the  thoughts  of  your  dog  must  be  when  you  ]eave  him  on  hia 
point  and,  sneaking  off  to  one  side,  or  perhaps  to  his  rear 
cut  of  sight,  bid  him  put  up  the  bird  w^ich  he  knows  full 
well  by  experience  will  fly  into  the  cover  instead  of  out.  We 
always  require  our  dog  while  young  to  staunchly  hold  his 
point  until  ordered  on.  He  will  easily  learn  to  do  this  if  you 
steady  him  a  few  times  and  do  not  allow  him  to  stir  until 
you  are  beside  him.  This,  if  rightly  managed,  will  prove  a 
very  killing  trait,  but  unless  the  proper  course  is  pursued 
your  dog  is  apt  to  acquire  the  very  bad  habit  cf  making  false 
pcints.  Great  good  judgment  is  required  to  so  conduct  his 
training  in  tbis  that  it  may  prove  a  source  of  pleasure  instead 
of  disappointment.  Your  knowledge  Of  his  disposition  will 
aid  you  in  adjpting  the  right  course  to  accomplish  the  de- 
sired result. 

As  soon  as  you  observe  that  he  has  scent  command  him 
to  To  ho,  and  keep  him  on  point  until  you  are  nearly  beside 
him,  when,  without  stopping,  you  must  cluck  to  him  to  go 
on,  accompany irg  the  cluck  with  a  wave  of  the  hand,. and 
walk  just  behind  him  until  he  again  stops.  Should  he  be 


54  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

unwilling  to  move  on  at  your  first  order,  you  must  not  stop, 
neither  should  you  pass  by  him,  but  keep  stepping,  even  if 
you  have  to  put   your  feet   in  the  same  place,  and  again 
cluck,  or  perhaps  you  may  have  to  speak  to  him.      Should 
he  still  remain  staunch,   the  chances  are  that  the  scent  is 
strong,  and  that  the  game  may  be  close  by,  in  which  case 
you  should  advance  and  flush  the  bird,  and,  if  the  conduct 
of  your  dog  has  been  irreproachable,  kill  if  you  can,   but 
on  no   account  must  you   shoot   unless   his  behavior   has 
been  all  that  you  could  wish  ;  for  one  of  the  most  impor- 
tant lessons  to  impress  upon  his  mind  is  that,  just  so  surely 
as  he  does  not  perform  his   pirtin  a  proper  manner,  just 
so  surely  no  birds  will  be  the  result.    DJ  not  forget,  if  his 
performance  has  been  worthy,  to  pet  and  praise  him,  while, 
on  the  other  hand,  if  no  bird  has  been  found,  you  should 
return  behind  him  and  order  him  on,  and  let  him  know  that 
this  is  not  the  prop:r  way,  but  that  h.3  must  move  on  until 
he  is  near  the  bird.     This  is  rather  a  delicate  matter,  and 
often  requires  nice  discrimination  to  determine  just  what  to 
do,  for  there  is  not  a  second  to  be  lost  in  deliberation,  and 
instant  action   should  be  taken ;    for  if   you  hesitate  your 
dog  may  become  addicted  to  making   false  points  or  pot- 
tering, and,  rather  than  this,  it  will  be  far  better  to  score 
an  occasional  flush.     Should  he  flush  a  bird  by  moving  up, 
even  if  you  have  ordered  him  on,  you  must  instantly  check 
him,  and  bring  him  back  to  the  place  where  he  should  have 
remained  staunch,  and  keep  him  at  To  ho  a  short  time,  while 
you  chide  him  for  the  offence.  After  a  few  lessons  of  this  kind 
— perhaps,  even,  on  the  second  occasion— you  should  order 
him  on  a  little  before  you  reach  his  side,  and  at  each  succeed- 
ing time  you  should  d)  this  still  further  away,  until  he  will, 
at  the  motion  of   the  hand,   move  on   when  you   are  at 
quite  a  distance  from  him.    If  he  is  possessed  of  a  reason- 
able amount  of  intelligence,    and   you  pursue   the   proper 
course,  he  will   soon  understand  just  what  you  wish,  and 
always  stop  at  the   first   indication  of   scent   and  look  a1: 
you  for  the  signal   to  go  on,    instead  of  following  up  the 
trail,  perhaps  out  of  your   sight,   and   oftentimes  causing 


IJT  THE  FIELD.  53 

you  no  end  of  trouble  to  find  him.  He  will  aiso  soon 
learn  to  move  on  of  his  own  accord  when  the  scent  is  not 
just  to  suit,  provided  he  knows  that  you  can  see  him  and  are 
coming  his  way.  This  accomplishment  is  invaluable  when 
shootirg  in  th'ck  covert,  or  beating  the  snipe  meadows, 
while  it  can  work  no  possible  harm  either  on  the  prairie  or 
stubble.  Of  course,  we  cannot  give  instructions  that  will 
cover  every  case,  as  there  are  S3  many  different  circum- 
stances connected  with  the  events  of  a  single  day,  and  the 
dispositions  of  the  different  animals  are  also  so  widely  dis- 
similar that  it  is  impossible  for  us  to  give  anything  more 
than  a  general  outline  of  the  course  to  be  pursued.  We 
take  it  for  granted  that  the  reader  of  ordinary  intelligence 
who  has  followed  us  thus  far  has  gained  some  idea  of 
our  system,  and  that  his  own  good  tense,  coupled  with 
the  intimate  knowledge  that  he  must  possess  of  the  dispo- 
sition and  intelligence  of  his  pupil,  will  safely  tide  him 
over  any  minor  difficulties  that  may  occur. 


I 


CHAPTER  IX. 

WORKING*  IN  COMPANY. 

N  the  previous  chapters  we  have  carefully  refrained  from 
saying  anything  about  the  great  benefit  to  be  derived 
from  having  a  trained  dog  to  assist  you  in  perfecting  your 
pupil  in  his  lessons.  We  have  purposely  pursued  this  course 
in  order  to  show  the  new  beginner  that  he  can  safely  rely 
upon  his  own  resources,  and  surely  bring  his  pupil  through 
all  right,  without  any  assistance.  Nevertheless  we  have  ever 
found  that  an  old  dog  th:t  ia  well  trained  and  steady  is  of 
great  importance  in  perfecting  tie  pupil  in  the  rudiments  as 
well  as  the  higher  branches  of  his  education;  and  we  can- 
not forbear  devotirg  a  little  space  to  the  subject.  In  the 
first  p!ace  our  canine  co-worker  should  be  thoroughly 
trained  and  quick  to  obey ;  he  must  also  be  very  intelligent 
and  and  of  a  good  disposition.  You  should  let  the  two  asso- 
ciate together  from  the  first,  and  th:y  will  soon  become  at- 
tached (o  one  another,  unless  the  old  dog  ia  unusually  surly. 
We  do  not  recommend  that  the  pup  should  receive  any  guid- 
ance from  the  o'd  dcg  until  he  is  sufficiently  grounded  in  his 
lessons  to  understand  what  is  required  of  him.  Thus,  in 
teaching  him  To  ho,  after  he  will  go  through  the  perform- 
ance fairly,  wo  take  the  old  dog  into  the  pen  with  him,  and 
after  they  havj  had  a  little  time  at  play  we  take  the  pup  ia 
our  arms,  and  making  sure  that  he  sees  all  that  is  going  on, 
we  place  two  pieces  of  meat  on  the  ground  about  two  fe:t 
apart,  and,  calling  up  the  old  dog,  make  him,  at  the  word 
To  ho,  point  one  of  the  pieces.  We  then  walk  around  a 
little,  with  the  pup  still  in  our  arms,  taking  care  that  he  can 
see  the  performance  all  the  time.  We  then  place  the  pup 
with  hiu  nose  within  a  few  inches  cf  ths  second  piece,  ana 
telliDg  him  to  To  ho,  make  him  wait  a  few  seconds,  and  then, 
cluck  as  a  signal  that  they  can  each  eat  their  piece.  Thi? 
has  a  wonderfully  steadying  effec!;  upon  the  pup,  especially 


WORKING  IN  COMPANY.  GT 

\vhen  you  come  to  prolong  the  time  a  little,  for  he,  seeing 
that  the  old  dog  is  perfectly  staunch  and  steady,  will  SOOD 
learn  to  emulate  him.  He  will  also  acquire  the  very  import- 
ant habit  of  remaining  steady  when  in  the  company  of  other 
dogs;  this  we  consider  of  great  importance,  and  under  all 
circumstances  we  accustom  the  pup  to  doing  his  work  in  the 
presence  of  his  companions,  even  if  we  have  to  impress  the  ser- 
vices of  a  cur  and  chaia  h'm  in  one  corner  of  the  pen.  If  this 
latter  course  has  to  be  adopted,  it  .is  not  necessary  that  it 
should  be  commenced  until  our  pupil  is  somewhat  advanced 
in  his  education,  as  the  only  object  in  view  is  to  accuatom 
him  to  perform  his  duties  in  the  presence  of  other  dogs,  and 
to  lay  the  ground  work  of  that  steadiness  when  amon  % 
strangers  that  is  so  pleasing  to  see.  So  particular  aro  we  in 
this,  that  we  invariably  train  our  pup  to  point  a  piece  of 
meat  and  stand  perfectly  staunch,  while  his  c  Dmpanion  takes 
the  bit  and  cuts  it.  This  he  will  readily  learn  to  d3  if  you 
immediately  reward  him  with  another  pieca.  If  he  is  well 
trained  in  this  he  will  not  annoy  y  u  by  going  to  pieces 
should  half  a  dozen  dogs  rush  in  upon  the  bird  that  he  is 
poi:  ting. 

After  our  pup  is  well  acquainted  with  the  old  dog  and 
has  become  accustomed  to  the  chain,  they  should  be  coupled 
together  for  a  short  time  each  day  until  h.3  gets  used  to  is. 
We  shall  find  further  on  that  this  will  be  a  great  help  to  ui. 
The  coupling  chain  should  be  short  with  two  good  swivels. 
Most  persons  make  a  mistake  in  having  the  coupling  chain 
too  long.  Four  inches  is  plenty  long  enough  when  your 
dogs  are  anywhere  near  of  a  size,  and  you  will  generally  find  it 
long  enough  under  any  circumstances.  Should  th.9  old  dog 
be  very  high  headed  the  chain  can  easily  be  lengthened  an 
inch  or  two.  After  they  go  well  together  and  our  pupil  hai 
learned  the  meaning  of  To  ho  and  minds  fairly,  you  will 
find  that  it  will  be  of  great  benefit  to  him  to  practice  him 
when  coupled  to  the  old  dog,  for  the  example  of  the  latter  will 
steady  him,  which  is  a  matter  of  great  importance,  and 
once  his  mind  is  thoroughly  impressed  with  the  idea  that  hs 
must  hold  his  p:sition,  even  when  in  fjar  that  his  com- 


58  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

panion  will  secure  the  tempting  morsal,  it  will  be  com- 
paratively easy  to  keep  him  up  to  his  work.  He  will  also 
learn  to  remain  quiet  at  charge  with  much  less  trouble  to 
you  if  coupled  to  the  old  dog.  As  he  grows  older  and  you 
commence  to  lengthen  the  lime  that  he  must  remain  in  this 
position,  we  should  by  all  means  recommend  this  course  ; 
indeed  we  have  found  that  the  services  of  a  well  trained, 
steady  dog  are  invaluable  all  through  until  our  pupil's  educa- 
tion is  complete.  As  we  have  before  remarked  the  as- 
sistance of  the  old  dog  should  never  be  called  in  requisition 
until  cur  pupii  has  been  taught  his  lesson  and  is  somewhat 
proficient  in  its  psrformance,  then  he  can  understandingly 
view  the  old  dog  as  he  performs  the  task,  and  if  he  is  reason- 
ably intelligent  he  will  soon  learn  to  imitate  his  steadiness. 

We  stall  also  find,  if  our  pup  is  inclinsd  to  work  too  close 
to  us  when  quartering  his  ground,  that  the  example  of  the 
old  dog  will  soon  cause  him  to  increase  his  range.  We  much 
prefer  that  our  pup  should  range  freely  of  his  own  accord, 
but  should  ho  not  quite  please  us  in  this,  we  coupb  him  to 
the  old  dog  and  practice  them  together  until  we  obtain  satis- 
factory results.  Great  caution  must  be  observed  in  ttla  and 
the  lessons  must  not  be  too  frequent  nor  too  long  continued, 
or  our  pupil  will  lose  his  independence  and  f  or  ja  the  \  ery  bad 
habit  of  looking  to  his  companion  to  cut  out  the  work  which 
will  seriously  detract  from  his  usefulness  in  the  field. 

As  it  is  very  desirable  that  our  dog  should  possess  a  fair 
amount  cf  speed,  we  should  so  conduct  his  exercise  that 
when  we  come  to  cut  him  loose  in  the  field  he  will  not  potter 
and  poke,  but  at  once  strike  a  slashing  gilt  and  witn  head 
well  up,  take  to  his  work  like  a  veteran.  Many  dogs  can 
never  become  fast,  but  if  you  have  followed  the  instructions 
in  selecting  your  pup  that  we  have  laid  down,  and  have 
secured  a  well  formed  one  with  plenty  of  life  and  spirit, 
there  will  be  no  trouble  in  bringing  him  out  a  fairly  speedy 
animal ;  indeed,  we  have  taken  in  hand  old  dogs  that  were 
decidedly  slow,  and  ia  a  few  weeks,  by  judicious  manage- 
ment, have  succeeded  in  turning  them  out  astonishingly  fast. 
Of  course,  we  cannot  give  instructions  that  will  enable  yo:i 


WORKING  IN  COMPANY.  59 

to  infallibly  produce  a  speedy  animal,  but  if  you  will  in- 
telligently  follow  our  plan,  you  can  in  most  cases  succeed  in 
accomplishing  your  purpose.  Do  not  forget,  in  your  anxiety 
for  speed,  that  a  fast  dog  with  a  slow  nose  is  nearly  worth- 
less ;  therefore,  before  you  attempt  to  force  the  pace,  you 
should  thoroughly  satisfy  yourself  that  your  pupil's  olfactory 
organs  are  all  right ;  you  can  form  a  nearly  correct  opinion 
upon  this  point  by  carefully  watching  him  while  he  is  at  play, 
and  taking  note  of  each  time  that  he  "winds"  anything 
that  attracts  him,  and  paying  close  attention  to  tbe  distance 
he  is  from  the  object.  This,  though  not  an  infallible  test, 
will  generally  give  you  a  very  good  idea  of  his  powers. 
Should  he  appear  to  have  a  quick  sensitive  nose  and  you  de- 
sire to  quicken  his  gait,  try  the  following  plan,  and  our  word 
for  it,  if  you  pursue  the  proper  course,  you  will  be  astonished 
at  the  improvement  he  will  show  in  a  few  lessons.  When 
commencing  these  lessons  you  should  select  for  exercise 
ground  a  large  open  field,  and  if  the  surface  is  undulating,  it 
will  be  all  the  better,  fcr  when  the  old  dog  dif appears  over 
the  knolls  it  will  mako  the  prp  all  the  more  eager  to  join  him. 
When  you  arrive  at  the  ground  you  should  let  the  old  dog  go, 
and  keep  tbe  pup  close  Lt  heel  until  ho  gets  quite  impatient, 
taking  great  care  net  to  overdo  the  matter  by  keeping  him 
under  res' rain  t  t3O  long,  nor  on  the  other  hand  should  you 
let  him  go  until  he  13  in  the  proper  frame  of  mind  to  put 
forth  his  best  efforts  when  he  hears  the  welcome  signal.  If 
ycu  have  acquired  such  knowledge  of  his  disposition  and 
temper  as  ycu  should  have  done,  you  will  bo  sure,  by  closely 
wa'ching  him,  to  hit  upon  just  the  right  instant  when  his 
impatient  feelings  are  at  their  greatest  height  to  give  him  the 
word  to  go  on.  If  this  order  is  given  in  an  eager  tone,  ac- 
companied with  a  quick  step  or  two  forward,  you  will  find 
that  your  pupil  will  at  once  start  with  an  eager  rush  and  put 
forth  Ms  best  efforts  to  catch  the  old  dog.  You  should  care- 
fully watch  him,  and  as  soon  as  he  slacks  his  speed,  call  him 
in  at  once  and  keep  him  at  heel  until  he  is  again  impatient, 
when  you  can  repeat  the  performance.  If  this  course  is 
understandirgly  pursued,  your  pupil  will  soon  learn  that  in 


60  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

order  to  have  his  liberty  he  must  not  potter,  and  he  will  in  a 
short  time  astonish  you  wi;h  his  greatly  improved  gait.  The 
speed  of  almost  any  dog  can  be  improved  in  this  way,  but 
the  best  results  are  obtained  when  your  dog  is  possessed  of  a 
high  strung  nervous  temperament.  With  such  a  one  prop- 
erly handled  marvelous  improvement  is  sure  to  follow. 

You  will  also  find  that  the  example  of  the  old  dog  will  be 
productive  of  much  good,  when  you  commence  accustoming 
your  pup  to  the  sights  and  sounds  of  the  street,  you  wiil  be 
spared  much  trouble  in  way-wising  him  bj  coupling  them 
toge'her  when  taking  a  walk  through  tho  streets,  especially 
if  you  are  in  a  city  where  each  sight  and  sound  is  new  to 
your  pupil,  for  he  will  not  only  see  that  his  companion  is  un- 
concerned and  thereby  acquire  confidence,  bat  he  will  S3on 
learn  that  he  cannot  bolt  should  anything  strange  occur,  and 
in  a  short  time  he  will  become  steady  and  behave  like  a 
Yeteran. 

Backing  is  an  accomplishment  that  affords  us  much  pleas- 
ure— in  fact,  one-half  of  our  enjoyment,  when  shooting  over 
a  brace  of  dogs,  is  in  witnessing  tho  faultless  performance  of 
a  well-trained  animal,  as  he  instantly  honors  the  point  of  his 
companion.  This  accomplishment  is  inherent  in  many  dcgs, 
and  is  as  natural  to  them  as  the  instinct  of  pointing.  Yet, 
there  are  many  first-class  animals  who  will  not  back  a  com- 
panion's point,  but  will  work  forward  uitil  they  obtain  the 
scent.  This  is  always  unpleasant,  and  often  not  only  mars 
our  enjoyment  of  the  sport,  but  the  praclice  is  very  apt  to 
unsteady  the  other  dog,  especially  when  the  dag  that  should 
back  thrusts  his  nose  a  little  ahead,  which  he  is  very  prone 
to  do.  The  dog  that  will  remain  perfectly  steady  and 
staunch  while  his  companion  repeatedly  practices  this,  is,  in. 
deed,  a  treasure,  and  worthy  f  lircr  treatment.  That  your 
dog  will  not  be  the  cn3  to  commit  so  serious  a  fuult  you 
can  rest  assured,  if  you  have  carefully  followed  our  instruc- 
tions ia  his  early  training  and  will  intelligently  handle  him 
when  he  first  goes  into  the  field  with  a  companion.  As  we 
have  often  remarked,  first  impressions  play  a  very  important 
Dart  in  the  future  behavior  of  your  d  >g,  therefore  you 


WORKING  1N-COMPANT.  Cl 

sbould  be  very  careful  that  nothing  occurs  that  -will  give  him 
any  wrorg  ideas.  The  first  time  that  you  take  him  out  with 
another  dog,  they  should  be  well  acquainted,  if  possible,  or 
at  least  have  time  to  play  together  until  they  becjme  some- 
what used  to  each  other.  You  should  be  accompanied  by  a 
friend,  who  should  have  the  care  of  the  other  dog,  while  you 
keep  your  pupil  close  to  heel  until  the  other  dog  finds  and 
comes  to  a  point.  Be  very  careful  now,  and  as  soon  as  your 
dog  catches  sight  of  him,  raise  your  hand  and  bid  him  To  7io, 
and  on  no  account  must  you  stir  so  much  as  a  finger,  but  re- 
main perfectly  quiet  and  staunch,  as  though  you  were  also 
backing,  until  your  companion  has  flushed  the  bird.  Tour 
example  will  have  much  to  do  in  perfecting  his  steadiness, 
and  you  will  find  that  after  a  few  lessons  of  this  kind — even 
should  he  possess  no  natural  inclination  to  back — he  will 
understand  what  is  required,  and  instantly  bick  of  his  own 
accord  as  soon  as  he  catchss  sight  of  a  companion's  point. 


CHAPTER   X. 

CONCLUSION. 

WB  have  given  in  the  preceding  chapters,  as  well  as  we 
were  able,  the  outlines  of  the  course  that  for  more  than 
a  quarter  of  a  century  we  have  successfully  pursued  in  pre- 
paring our  d°gs  for  lives  of  usefulness,  and  we  believe,  yes, 
we  know,  that  if  any  one — we  care  not  how  wedded  he  may 
be  to  the  force  system — will  but  give  our  method  a  fair  trial, 
henceforth  the  whip  and  check  cord  will  form  no  part  of  his 
kennel  appurtenar  ces,  for  not  alone  does  our  system  exercise 
an  ennobling  influence  upon  our  pupil,  thus  making  him 
much  better  qualified  to  become  our  companion,  but  the 
better,  finer  feelings  of  our  own  nature  are  not  blunted  and 
brutalized  by  the  cruel  associations  necessarily  present  when 
the  lash  is  applied  to  the  shrinking  form,  nor  is  our  enjoy- 
ment of  the  p'eisures  of  the  field  marred  by  constantly- 
recurring  struggles  with  the  sharer  of  our  sport,  who  should 
be  our  obedient  as  well  as  loving  friend.  As  tha  Hon. 
George  Ashmun  occe  remarked  to  us :  "  The  humane  system 
and  the  force  system  both  accomplish  the  result  of  bringing 
man  and  dog  toward  the  same  plane,  the  one  by  elevating 
the  brute,  the  other  by  lowering  the  humane  creature." 

In  all  our  lessons  we  hive  endeavored  to  impress  upon  the 
reader  the  great  importance  of  carefully  studying  tha  dispo- 
sition of  his  pupil  in  order  that  he  might  intelligently  apply 
their  teachings.  We  have  also  tried  to  show  the  paramount 
nee  ssity  of  a  very  cautious  advance  at  each  successive  step. 
Yet  so  very  important  a  matter  do  we  deem  this  that  we  can- 
not forbear  again  calling  your  atteLtion  to  it,  and  again 
cautioning  you  to  use  the  utmost  care  in  all  your  lessons, 
and  to  so  manage  that  your  dog  shall  not  become  over- 
trained, for  this,  although  quite  common,  is  a  very  serious 
fault,  and  one  that  will  require  a  !ong  time  to  overcome,  if, 
indeed,  you  can  ever  quite  eradicate  it ;  and  in  order  to 
secure  that  cheerful,  willing  obedience  that  is  so  desirable,  it 
will  be  far  better  that  you  should  devote  plenty  of  time  to 


CONCLUSION.  63 

the  proper  development  of  your  pupil  than  by  undue  haste  to 
bring  him  out  only  partially  trained  or  CD  wed  and  dis- 
heartened by  a  too  close  or  too  long  continued  drilling  at 
tasks  that  should  be  his  delight  instead  of  dread.  In  perfect- 
ing our  pupil  in  his  work  in  the  field,  great  .care  must  be 
taken  that  he  always  peforms  his  task  in  a  faultless  manner, 
and  no  thought  of  present  enjoyment  should  allow  you  for 
an  instant  to  relax  tl.at  constant  surveillance  and  watchful 
Cire  that  you  have  bestowed  upon  him  while  practicing  him 
at  home.  There  is  no  more  prolifio  cause  of  the  unsteadiness 
and  disobedience  exhibited  by  so  many  of  the  dogs  we  meet 
as  the  overlooking  of  the  little  faults  that  scarcely  appear 
worth  noticing.  As  we  have  before  remarked,  anything 
that  is  worth  the  doing  is  worth  doing  well,  and  in  co'hing  is 
this  more  apparent  than  in  the  education  of  your  dog.  We 
don't  mean  by  this  that  you  should  be  constantly  nagging 
him  and  breaking  his  heart  with  an  incessant  repitition  of 
commands,  but  that  when  you  do  give  an  order  you  should 
see  to  it  lhat  it  is  at  once  obeyed,  and  to  the  very  letter. 

Especially  shcuU  he  be  restrained  from  manifesting  any 
unsteadiness  or  uneasiness,  when  in  the  presence  of  crippled 
birrls.  This  can  only  be  accomplished  by  a  faithful  adher- 
ence upon  your  part  to  the  rules  that  you  have  established  to 
govern  his  conduct  and  by  a  religious  setting  of  the  example 
that  you  wish  him  to  follow,  as  any  excitement  upon  your  part 
or  undue  haste  to  secure  the  bird  is  sure  to  be  impressed 
upon  his  susceptible  mind  and  cause  you  no  end  of  trouble 
in  the  future.  Better  by  far  that  you  should  lose  a  dozen 
lirds  than  that  your  dog  should  become  unsteady. 
When  it  is  possible,  we  always  shoot  a  cripple  before  our 
young  dog,  and  we  have  ever  found  that  this  course,  es- 
pecially -vrben  he  cruld  see  the  performance,  exercised  a 
steadying  iLfluence  upon  him,  and  also  taught  him  to  love 
and  have  confidence  in  the  gun.  After  sufficient  experience 
in  the  field,  and  when  your  dog  appears  to  understand  just 
what  you  require  of  him,  he  may  safely  be  allowed  to  cap- 
ture the  fluttering  bird,  with  no  fear  that  it  will  cause  him  to 
become  ur steady  or  depart  f;om  the  teachings  of  his  early 


64  TRAINING  vs.  BREAKING. 

days,  for  the  course  that  we  have  pursued  has  wonderfully 
developed  his  reasoning  faculties,  and  there  will  be  no  trouble 
in  easily  teaching  him  to  comprehend  that  when  ordered  to 
retrieve  a  crippled  bird,  n^  license  is  thereby  granted  him  to 
indiscrimately  rush  for  every  one  that  starts.  When  once 
we  have  our  dog  under  the  perfect  control  that  it  has  been 
cur  aim  to  achieve,  it  is  comparatively  an  ( a?y  matter  to  keep 
him  up  to  his  work,  as  our  knowledge  of  his  disposition  and 
his  knowledge  of  our  method  will  render  an  ( ccasional  word 
all  that  will  be  required. 

Having  brought  teacher  and  pupil  safely  afield,  we 
shall  now  regretfully  take  our  leave  of  them,  trusting  that 
not  entirely  in  vain  have  been  our  labors,  and  that  some  at 
least  of  the  new  recruits  to  the  vast  army  of  sportsmen  may 
be  induced  to  follow  the  course  here  marked  out,  and  by  their 
success  encourage  others  to  try  our  humane  system  of  training. 

Upon  carefully  reviewing  our  very  pleasant  task,  we  are 
painfully  impressed  with  its  many  shortcomings  and  imper- 
fections ;  the  most  serious  of  these  i?  the  failure  to  express 
the  ideas  that  we  wish  to  convey  in  a  satisfactory  manner. 
Although  to  the  best  of  our  ability  have  we  endeavored  to 
impart  the  knowledge  gained  by  a  large  experience,  yet  we 
feel  that  we  have  but  crude!)  and  imperfectly  accomplished 
our  purpose.  There  appears  to  be  an  indescribable,  in- 
tangible something  lacking  which  our  pen  is  unable  to  portray 

There  is  a  mysterious  and  subtle  power,  inherent  in  some 
and  only  gained  by  others  with  long  experience,  that  enables 
its  possessor  to  exact  an  instant  and  willing  obedience  from 
the  lower  animals  by  a  single  word  or  look  that  others  cannot 
compel  by  vociferous  commands  or  even  by  blows.  We 
have  always  noticed  that  those  who  possessed  this  peculiar 
gift  appeared  intuitively,  as  it  were,  to  understand  the  nature 
and  disposition  of  the  animals  under  their  care,  and  that 
there  was  invariably  an  almost  electrical  and  harmonious 
sympathy  between  them.  Would  that  we  could  reveal  the 
secret  of  this  mysterious  power ;  then  could  we  lay  aside  our 
pen  with  pride  in  the  belief  that  we  had  laid  at  the  feet  of 
the  sportsmen's  shrine  a  worthy  offering. 


THE  ONE-EYED  GROUSE  OF  MAPLE  RUN. 

SOME  years  ago  we  penned  the  following  art'cle,  which 
we  reproduce  here  in  order  to  give  our  readers  some 
idea  of  the  pleasures  and  perils  which  so  endear  to  us  the 
pursuit  of  "that  best  of  all  game  birds,  the  lordly  Ruffed 
Grouse." 

First  let  me  describe  the  locality  wh<re  these  incidents 
transpired,  that  you  may  the  better  understand  some  of  the 
evolutions  that  I  shall  endeavor  to  explain.  I  feel  entirely 
competent  to  give  a  description  of  the  run,  as  even  now, 
after  the  lapse  of  thirteen  years,  every  rock,  tree  and  shrub ; 
every  bubbling  spring,  each  turn  and  twist  of  the  little  brook, 
even  to  its  every  merry  dim;  le  and  minature  cascade  with 
its  gleesome  music,  is  so  indelibly  engraved  upon  the  tablets 
cf  my  memory,  that  I  have  only  to  mount  .the  wings  of 
thought,  and  the  entire  scene  in  all  its  loveliness  is  before 
me.  Here,  at  the  extreme  upper  end,  is  a  gigantic  rock, 
maple,  whose  leaves  on  this  golden  October  day  are  gorge- 
ous in  their  bright  array.  Just  at  its  foot  a  silvery  sprirg 
gushes  forth,  whose  sparkling  waters  are  quaffed  by  many  a 
weary  one,  as  the  well-worn  path  and  smooth,  white  rock  at 
its  side  attest.  This  fountain  is  the  commencement  of  the 
little  brook  that  I  mentioned.  For  the  first  quarter  mile  of 
its  course  there  is  an  occasional  young  maple,  while  upon 
each  side,  for  four  or  five  rods,  beautiful  ferns  invite  the 
shy  woodcock  to  their  grateful  shade.  For  the  next  twenty 
yards,  there  is  an  abrupt  fall  of  as  many  feet,  whose  steep 
sides  are  covered  with  an  almost  impenetrable  growth  of 
witch-hazel,  which  is  now  in  bloom — notice  the  pleasing 
contrast  between  those  sprays  of  lemon  colored  blossoms  and 
the  dark  green  of  that  hemlock  that  towers  in  a  perfect  cone, 
thirty  feet  above  them — mark  well  thb  same  hemlock — for 
under  its  umbrageous  branches,  a  dastardly  deed  was  at- 
tempted that  recoiled  upon  the  would-be  perpetrator  in  a 
manner  that  afforded  us  heartfelt  satisfaction.  I  will  resume 


66          THE   GROUSE  OF  MAPLE  RUN. 

the  tale  farther  on.  At  the  foot  of  the  fall,  and  for  nearly 
a  mile  in  length— by  a  quarter  to  ha'f  a  mile  in  breadth 
— the  ground  is  nearly  level  and  covered  with  a  rank  growth 
of  alders,  growing  in  bunches,  a  few  feet  apart,  between 
them  the  grass  is  green  the  whole  year  round.  This  lovely 
spot  is  appropriately  called  "  Woodcock's  Delight."  What 
thrilling  emotions  fill  rny  heart  as,  in  fancy,  I  gaze  upon  its 
many  mazy  aisles.  It  seems  but  yesterday  that  I,  a  happy 
youth,  was  rambling  through  these  silent  shades ;  what  d3- 
licious,  glorious  hours  were  these,  what  blessed  communings 
with  the  God  of  Nature,  prized  by  me  far  more  than  the 
famous  bags  of  woodcock  and  grouse  that  I  nearly  always  ob- 
tain here.  The  scene  remains  the  same ;  but,  alas !  my 
beautiful  friend  of  the  querulous  whistle  is  gone,  I  fear  for- 
ever, slain  by  the  ruthless  hand  of  him  who  should  protect, 
instead  of  destroy.  Slain  by  him  who,  disguised  as  a  sports- 
man, steals  in  mid-summer  upon  the  callow  brood,  and  mur- 
ders, ay  I  murders  every  one ;  murders  the  enfeebled  and 
often  sick  mother-bird  and  her  unfledged  chicks.  May  the 
curse  of  all  true  sportsmen  rest  upon  you  !  The  wrath  of  the 
hunter's  God  already  abideth  with  you,  for  he  suffers  not  his 
beautiful  charges  to  roam  in  the  places  you  have  desecrated 
and  laid  waste.  Excuse  this  digression,  as  my  heart  is 
broken  with  the  utter  desolation  that  abounds.  Down  a 
gradual  descent  of  a  few  yards,  covered  with  a  dense  growth 
of  hazel,  below  the  beautiful  spot  that  I  have  just 
described,  we  come  to  a  similar  piec3  of  ground  of  some 
twenty  acres  in  extent,  that  is  fl  -wed  in  winter  and 
spring,  to  furnish  motive  power  for  a  rickety  old  paw- 
mill.  There  are  no  trees  nor  brush,  except  a  fringe  of  wil- 
lows a  few  yards  in  width  entirely  around  the  edge  of  the 
now  dry  pond.  Below  the  mill  a  rocky  gorg^,  grown 
up  with  hemlock,  leads  us  down  a  descent  for  a  hundred 
yards  or  more,  when  we  come  to  a  level  open  meadow, 
bordered  upon  one  side  by  a  splendid  grove  of  magnificent 
white  oats  that  covers  full  fifty  acres.  Across  the  meadows 
and  two  hundred  yards  away  there  is  a  tangled  thicket  of 
scrub-oak,  overgrown  wi:h  briers.  At  the  lower  side  of 


THE  GROUSE  OF  MAPLE  RUN.         67 

both  grove  and  thicket  sunny  knolb,  partially  covered  with 
birches,  trend  obliquely  down  stream,  me  eting  on  the  banks 
of  the  brook  some  five  hundred  yards  below.  From  here  to 
the  river,  about  a  mile  away,  there  is  a  beautiful  cover, 
nearly  a  mile  in  width,  of  alders  and  birches,  with  an  occa- 
sional maple  and  walnut  tree.  This  cover  ends  on  the  bank 
of  the  river,  in  a  narrow  grove  of  immense  hemlocks.  Trust- 
ing that  you  will  retain  enough  of  my  rather  tedious  descrip- 
tion to  follow  us  through  our  ardous  and  long-winded  chase, 
we  will  shoulder  our  guns  and  start  for  Maple  Ran.  But 
first  allow  ine  to  introduce  you  to  my  companion— old  Tom 
Rood,  as  thorough  a  sportsman  as  it  has  ever  fallen  to  my 
lot  to  encounter — a  peifect  gentleman,  a  first-rate  shot  and 
well  skilled  in  all  that  pertains  to  woodcraft.  Tom  is  pos- 
sessed of  an  abundance  of  this  world's  goods,  and  spends 
most  of  his  time  in  the  forest,  as  his  nut-brown  phiz  and 
wiry  frame  attest.  When  he  is  not  shooting  or  fishing  he  is 
abroad  communing  with  nature.  There  is  a  vein  of  poetry 
and  also  a  flight  tinge  of  superstition  in  his  make-up  that, 
with  his  overflowing  cheerfulness,  make  him  one  of  the 
most  entertaining  companions  that  I  Lave  eves  met.  Oar 
present  trip  originated  with  him,  as  he  had  the  day  before, 
while  resting  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  a1;  the  mouth  of  the 
brook,  seen,  to  use  his  words,  a  "spectre  partridge"  (ruffed 
grouse).  While  lying  at  full  length  on  the  grass,  this  bird 
had  flown  across  the  river  and  alighted  within  a  few  feet  of 
him.  As  he  looked  up,  at  the  slight  noise  she  made,  she 
walked  up  within  two  yards  of  his  head.  Examining  her 
closely,  he  discovered  that  on  the  side  toward  him  her  eye 
was  gone.  Just  as  he  had  noticed  this,  she  turned  her  head, 
and  Tom  solemnly  averred  that  her  good  eye  was  as  large 
as  that  of  an  ox ;  and  far  more  brilliant  than  the  purest 
diamond,  her  feathers  were  of  a  pale  cream  color,  her  ruff 
was  light  cherry,  as  was  the  band  across  her  tail.  Taking 
this  in  at  a  glance,  and  wishing  to  secure  so  unique  a  speci- 
men, he  reached  for  his  gun,  when  this  spectre  bird  slowly 
sank  into  the  ground,  and  Tom,  awe-struck,  left  the  uncanny 
spot  and  started  for  home.  When  nearly  a  hundred  yards 


68          THE  GROUSE  OF  MAPLE  RUN. 

away,  he  heard  a  roar  that  caused  him  to  look  back,  and 
there  was  the  spirit,  going  like  a  streak,  up  the  run.  You 
should  have  heard  Tom  tell  the  story,  and  have  seen  the 
weird  look  in  his  eyes  as  he  described  the  scene.  Always  on 
hand  when  sport  was  to  be  had,  I  readily  joined  him,  as,  un- 
doubtedly, this  was  a  wary  old  bird,  that  would  show  us  some 
fun.  We  soon  arrived  at  the  place  where  he  had  seen  her  last,  and 
commenced  a  chase,  the  like  of  which  I  never  expect  to  see  again. 
We  little  thought,  when  we  started  the  dogs,  that  beautiful 
morning,  and  gaily  followed  them,  so  full  of  life  and  hope, 
our  exuberant  spirits  welling  forth  in  lively  joke  and  quick 
repartee,  that  evening's  shade  would  find  us  a  weary,  used- 
up  pair,  wending  our  way  homeward  with  halting  steps,  and 
no  word  of  cheer  to  lighten  the  path.  I  will  not  anticipate, 
but  try  and  be  calm  while  I  recount  the  story  of  our  sorrow?. 
Our  dogs,  Start  and  Stop,  soon  found  a  trail,  and  taking  our 
usual  places — Tom  on  their  right  flank  and  I  on  the  left — we 
slowly  moved  on,  up  tne  run.  The  scent  soon  became  hot, 
and  the  dogs  re  fuse  I  to  advance  another  step.  We  went 
ahead  to  raise  the  bird,  and  had  gone  some  distance  beyond 
the  dogs,  when,  with  a  thunderous  roar  close  to  my  ears, 
this  spook  of  a  bird  rose  behind  me.  I  whirled  around  and 
catching  my  foot  in  something,  down  I  went  full  length,  a:*d 
as  it  is  my  practice  to  shoot  when  a  bird  rises  near  enough, 
my  gun  went  off  just  as  I  struck  the  ground,  happily  without 
doing  any  damage.  "First  knock-down  for  the  spectre," 
cried  Tom,  who  appeared  to  enjoy  the  sport  even  more  than 
I  did.  As  he  had  caught  a  glimpse  of  the  bird,  and  was 
sure  that  it  was  the  one  we  were  looking  for,  we  turned  short 
to  the  left  and  followed  on  her  course,  which  led  toward  the 
upper  corner  of  the  cover.  The  dogs  soon  struck  her  trail 
and  worked  it  up  nearly  to  the  corner,  and  came  lo  a  full 
stop.  Tom,  being  the  nearest,  went  on  the  outside,  and  I 
walked  toward  him,  expecting  of  course  that  one  of  U3 
would  get  a  sure  shot.  I  could  not  raise  the  bird,  and  went 
back  to  the  dog?,  and  at  the  word,  they  moved  on  up  to  the 
wall,  and  came  to  a  point  at  a  hole  that  led  through  to  the 
other  side.  I  got  them  over  the  "wall,  and  they  roaded 


TEE  GROUSE  OF  MAPLE  RUN.         69 

her  several  rods  in  the  open  lot  a  few  feet  from  tin  wall.  I 
•was  in  the  cover  opposite  them,  and  was  suddenly  startled  by 
aloud  cry  of  "mark"  from  Tom,  accompanied  by  a  few 
forcible  words,  expressive  of  his  disgust.  I  heard  no  rise 
and  went  over  to  htm  to  see  what  it  all  meant,  when 
he  expLined  that  the  bird  had  ri?en  some  twenty  rods  away 
withoui  making  the  slightest  nri?e,  and  flown  down  en  the 
outside  as  far  as  he  couM  see.  We  were  both  of  us  beginning 
to  get  interested,  and  followed  on  in  pretty  good  order,  con- 
sidering that  we  had  been  oufgeneraled  at  every  turn.  Tbe 
dogs,  after  considerable  work,  found  her  trail  in  the  open 
lot,  aid  followed  it  some  distance,  when  we  saw  her  rise  a 
long  way  ahead ;  and  swing  to  the  left  for  a  birch  knoll  that 
I  have  already  described  as  leading  up  to  a  scrub  oak  and 
brier  cover.  She  was  not  near  enough  for  me  to  see  very 
distinctly,  but  I  could  readily  see  that  ste  was  of  a  very 
light  color.  Sanding  Tom  ahead  to  cut  her  off,  should  she 
attempt  to  make  for  the  briers,  I  took  the  dogs  and  beat  up 
tbc  knoll,  and  soon  had  a  beautiful  point  from  Start  that  was 
handsomely  backed  by  Stop.  I  knew  by  the  ea^er  way  old 
Start's  jaws  were  quivering  that  the  bird  was  close  by,  and, 
stepping  in  ahead  of  him,  was  disgusted  at  seeing  nothing 
but  an  ordinary  grouse  fljunder  up  and  make  off;  but  as  the 
lulling  passion  was  ever  strong,  I  pocketed  my  chagrin,  and 
drawing  a  bead  on  him,  brought  him  down.  At  the  report 
of  the  gun  our  one-eyed  friend  rose  twenty  rods  away,  and 
knowing  that  it  was  sure  death  to  attempt  the  briers,  flew 
across  the  open  meadows  and  went  for  the  white  oak  grove, 
and  I  lost  sight  of  her  amorg  the  tops  of  the  tallest  trees.  In 
vain  we  beat  the  whole  cover  in  that  direction,  we  could 
get  no  trace  of  her.  Concluding  that  she  had  "treed,"  we 
commenced  thumping  each  tree  in  the  vicinity  where  I  had 
seen  her  last,  and  soon  routed  her.  She  pitched  down  from 
the  top  of  a  tall  tree  like  a  ro3ket  revised,  and  not  until 
within  two  or  three  feet  of  the  ground  did  she  alter  her 
course.  She  received  our  fire  with  a  cool  complacency  tbat 
was  not  fcha-ed  by  us,  and  skimming  tlong  close  to  the 
ground  across  tin  rn?adow,  we  saw  her  swing  into  the  hated 


70          THE  GROUSE  OP  MAPLE  RUN. 

brier  cover.  Ordinarily  we  did  not  beat  this  covf  r,  as  it  was 
not  only  terribly  thick,  but  the  briers  were  fearful.  But  we 
were  afterthis  bird,  "with  all  that  this  implies,"  and  did 
not  stop  to  count  the  cost ;  bu^,  after  taking  a  few  moments' 
rest,  and  eating  our  lunch,  boMly  faced  the  music,  and 
were  soon  forcing  our  way  through  the  tangled  mass.  The 
dogs  soon  found  her  trail  and  commenced  reading,  and  for 
more  than  an  hour  we  followed  this  goblin  bird  before  we 
could  force  her  to  rise,  which  she  finally  did  quite  unex- 
pectedly close  by  Tom,  and  just  as  he  lad  stooped  and  was 
forcing  his  way  through  a  par'.icularly  bad  bunch  of  briers. 
He  gamely  struggled  to  an  up-ight  position  and  delivered  his 
fire,  but  could  not  tell  whether  both  eyes  were  open  or  shut ; 
as,  when  he  commenced  to  straighten  up,  a  brier  caught  him 
ju3t  under  his  right  eye,  and  plowed  a  ghastly  furrow  across 
his  face,  and  half  cut  off  the  lower  portion  of  his  ear.  When 
I  j  ined  him  I  could  not  forbear  saying : 

11  First  blood  for  the  spectre." 

A  grim  smile  lit  up  one  side  of  his  face— the  other  side 
was  covered  with  gore,  and  I  was  doub'ful  if  he  greeted  my 
pleasantry  with  more  than  half  a  smile.  As  our  bird  had 
flown  straight  for  the  mouth  of  the  rocky  gully,  we  soon 
came  to  water,  and  after  binding  up  our  wounded*  as  wdl  as 
we  could,  we  once  more  "  returned  to  the  charge."  Toiling 
up  the  steep  and  slippery  ascent,  we  flushed  her  from  be- 
hind a  rock,  which  she  kept  betwetn  her  and  us  until  well 
out  of  shot.  Thinking  that  she  would  keep  on  as  far  as  the 
hazel  gully,  we  made  a  detour  to  avoid  the  terrible  ascent, 
and  skirted  the  edg  3  until  we  came  to  the  old  mill,  when, 
each  taking  a  side  of  the  pond  and  beating  the  fringe  cf  wil- 
lows, came  together  at  the  head  of  the  pond.  We  hunted 
up  the  hazel  gully,  and  over  a  large  portion  of  alder  cover, 
bringing  to  bag  several  grouse  and  woodcock,  but  eaw  no 
sign  of  our  especial  friend.  On  our  return,  we  met  a  man 
who  said  that  he  had  just  started  a  white  partridge  from  the 
wheel-pit  of  the  old  mill,  and  it  had  gone  down  the  run.  Al- 
though nearly  night,  with  one  accord,  and  without  a  word, 
we  both  wheeled  and  headed  down  the  gorge.  When  near 


TEE   GROUSE  OF  MAPLE  BUN.         71 

the  lower  end  the  dogs  came  to  a  staunch  point.    Thinking 
that  the  bird  would  go  for  the  briers  again,   I  clambered  up 
the  side,  and  had  just  reached  the  top,   when  this  fiendish 
bird,  with  a  malignity  of  purpose  that  I  have  never  seen 
equaled,  started  and  flew  straight  for  my  head.    Tom  could 
not  see  me,  but  I  saw  him  raise  his  gun  and  I  threw  myself 
flat  on  the  ground,  just  in  time  to  catch  half  a  dozen  pellets. 
I  had  supposed  that  he  was  shooting  fine  shot,  but  was  now 
ready  to  make  oath  that  each  one  was  bigger  than  a  pump- 
kin.   The  bird  was  unharmed,  and  flew  directly  over  me. 
She  did  not  see  me  until  within  four  feet  of  my  head,  and  I 
shall  never  forget  the  scared  expression  of  that  bird's  coun- 
tenance.   The  tuft  on  her  head  rose  right  up  like  the  clown's 
hair  in  the  pantomime,  and,  convulsively  bsating  the  air  with 
her  wings,     she,    knowing  what  to  expect,   cringed  and 
quivered  in  mortal  fear.    Springing  to  my  feet,  I  deliberately 
sighted  her  across  the  barrels  and  pulled  the  trigger.    No  re- 
port followed,  and,  upon  examining  for  the  cause,  I  found 
the  main  spring  broken.     I  must  confess  that  things  looked 
a  little  shaky,  and  I  was  almost  persuaded  that  we  were,  as 
Tom  now  insisted,  pursuing  a  myth.    It  was  now  sunset, 
and,  crest-fallen  and  weary,   we  turned  our  faces  toward 
home.    The  only  words  spoken  by  either  of  us  were  a  mu- 
tual good-night,  when  we  parted  at  the  fork  of  the  road, 
t\  at  led  to  Tom's  house.    We  even  forgot  that  we  had  any 
birds,  and  omitted  our  usual  quarrel,  of  each  trying  to  make 
the  other  take  the  game.    Sadly  1  traversed  the  short  dis- 
tance home,  and  letting  Start  into  the  kitchen  where  I  knew 
that  he  would  be  well  cared  for,  I  silently  stole  up  to  my 
room  and  went  supperless  to  bed. 

I  was  up  bttimes  the  nex1;  morning,  and  after  an  early 
breakfast,  shouldered  my  spare  gun,  whistled  for  Start,  and 
took  the  road  for  Maple  Run,  firmly  resolved  to  bring  home 
that  bird  or  perish  in  the  attempt.  When  I,  came  in  sight  of 
the  fork  of  the  road,  there  stood  Tom  leaning  on  Lis  gun 
waiting  for  me.  "  I  knew  that  you  would  be  here," said  he, 
"although  nothing  was  said  about  it,  for  the  manner  and 
tone  which  3  ou  (ai  1  good  night  assured  me  tha1;  your  heart 


73         THE  GROUSE  OF  MAPLE  RUN. 

was  in  the  right  place,  and  that  you  had  enlisted  for  the 
war."  We  made  straight  for  the  oak  grove,  and  crossed  the 
meadow  at  the  foot  of  the  gorge,  and  climbing  the  bank  to 
where  I  had  last  seen  her,  took  her  course  and  entered  the 
briers.  We  found  plenty  of  birds,  and  had  kill  d  several 
before  we  found  the  trail  of  cur  slippf  ry  friend.  At  last  the 
dog  struck  a  trail  that  led  straight  away  for  a  long  distance, 
and  we  rightly  conjectured  that  we  were  now  on  the  right 
track.  With  every  nerve  at  its  utmost  tension,  our  guns 
tightly  grasped,  and  eye  and  ear  strained  to  catch  the  first 
signal  of  her  presence,  we  carefully  picked  our  way  through 
the  briers  until  we  came  within  a  few  roi's  of  the  lower 
right  hand  corner.  Leaving  Tom  with  the  dogs  I  retraced 
my  steps  a  short  distance,  and  noislessly  crawled  to  the 
edge,  and  taking  a  position  twenty  yarJs  out  in  the  open, 
silently  advanced  toward  the  corner,  and  had  reached  within 
fair  gun-shot  of  it,  and  was  congratulating  myself  that  I  had 
her  sure,  when,  hearing  a  slight  noise  at  my  right,  I  turned, 
and,  just  out  of  shot,  siw  this  confounded  bird  silent  as  a 
ghost,  flitting  away  straight  out  into  the  open.  I  watched 
her  a  long  distance  and  saw  her  alight  on  the  top  of  a  stone- 
wall. I  called  Tom  and  explained  the  si'uation  to  him,  and 
was  much  amused  to  see  the  wild,  half- scared  expression  of 
his  eyes  as  he  said : 

"  We  will  stick  to  her  as  long  as  she  has  a  fea'her  left,  but 
I  know  it  is  of  no  use,  she  will  half  kill  us  with  her  tom- 
foolery, and  fiaally  vanish  in  a  cloud  of  smoke." 
I  added :  "Or  sink  into  the  ground  again." 
This  shot  had  its  desired  effect,  and,  after  a  brief  look  at 
the  situation,  we  decided  that  I  should  go  so  far  around  that 
she  could  not  see  me,  and  get  between  her  and  the  cover  near 
the  river  that  she  would  undoubtedly  make  for,  while  Tom 
was  by  a  flank  movement  to  send  her  to  me,  and  after  I  had 
killed  her  we  were  going  back  into  the  briers,  to  attend  to  a 
number  of  birds  that  we  had  started  there.  I  went  around, 
and  carefully  keeping  out  of  sight  behind  a  favoring  knoll,  I 
reached  the  wall  some  three  or  four  hundred  yards  below 
her,  and  crawling  behind  a  rock,  laid  down  and  peered  over 


THE  GROUSE  OF  MAPLE  RUN.         73 

the  top  of  it,  obtaining  a  good  view  of  the  whole  per- 
formance. Tom  by  this  time  had  obtained  an  offing,  and 
was  bearing  down  straight  for  her.  When  within  a  hundred 
yards  of  her,  be  commenced  singing  at  the  top  of  his  voice, 
that  well-known  hymn  :  » 

"  On  Jordan's  stormy  Dinks  I  stand," 

and,  as  the  wind  was  right,  I  could  distinguish  every  word, 
and  was  thoroughly  enjoying  the  music,  as  Tom  was  gifted 
with  a  grand  voice,  when  I  saw  him  suddenly  bring  his  gun 
to  his  shoulder,  and  then,  with  a  half  turn,  he  went  down  all 
in  a  heap.  Knowing  that  the  bird  had  started,  I  strained  my 
eyes  to  get  sight  of  her.  I  soon  saw  her  just  over  the  wall 
coming  straight  for  me.  Waiting  until  she  was  within  shot, 
and,  knowing  that  I  had  a  dead  sure  thing  on  her  this  time, 
I  sprang  to  my  feet,  and,  facing  the  way  she  was  going, 
brought  my  gun  to  my  shoulder  and  coolly  waited  until  she 
should  get  past  me.  Glancing  in  her  direction,  I  was  thun- 
derstruck to  find  that  she  was  nowhere  to  bs  seen.  A  strange 
unearthly  feeling  of  awe  crept  over  me,  my  hair  commenced 
to  rise,  my  knees  knocked  together  and  I  felt  that  I  was  in- 
deed in  the  presence  of  something  supernatural.  This  feeling 
lasted  but  a  second  or  two,  as,  upon  looking  down  the  wall, 
I  saw  this  phantom,  a  hundred  yards  away,  rise  from  under 
its  protecting  shelter  and  disappear  over  the  top  of  the  al- 
ders. 'Feeling  that  I  was  deeply  wronged,  I  sadly  turned  to- 
ward Tom  for  sympathy,  and  was  surprised  to  see  him  sit- 
ting on  the  ground  and  beckoning  for  me  to  come  to  him. 
When  I  got  there  I  found  that  he  had  sprained  his  ankle 
so  badly  that  he  was  ucable  to  stand.  With  shamefacedness 
and  many  expressions  of  heartfelt  sorrow  that  he  should  have 
so  far  forgotten  himself  as  to  even  think  of  so  unsportsman- 
like an  act,  Tom  confessed  that  the  singing  was  to  charm  the 
bird  so  that  he  could  get  near  enough  to  shoot  her  before  she 
started.  Just  as  he  raised  his  gun  to  fire,  one  foot  went  in- 
to a  hole  and,  said  he,  "I  received  the  reward  justly  my 
due." 

As  we  were  near  the  highway,  I  went  over  there  and  had 
to  wait  but  a  few  minutes  when  a  team  came  along.   We  took 


74         THE  GROUSE  OF  MAPLE  RUN. 

down  the  fences  and  soon  had  Tom  safe  in  the  wagon.  Al- 
though he  was  suffering  excrutiating  torture,  I  never 
saw  him  more  cheerful.  Joke  and  story  came  from  his  lips 
in  a  continual  stream,  and  he  kept  us  in  a  roar  all  the  way 
home.  We  got  him  in  the  house  and,  after  bathing  his  foot 
in  hot  water  and  seeing  him  comfortable,  I  turned  to  go, 
when  he  said : 

"  I  shall  have  to  ride  to-morrow  and  you  had  better  come 
here  and  ride  over  with  me." 

(Supposing  that  he  was  joking,  I  took  my  leave.  The  next 
morning  I  got  an  early  start  and  went  to  his  house  to  see  how 
he  was.  I  was  greatly  surprised  to  find  his  team  at  the  door 
and  to  see  him  hobbing  down  the  steps,  using  his  gun  as  a 
cane,  crying  as  he  saw  me : 

"  Come  on  1 1  had  a  vision  last  night  and  feel  that  this  day 
will  witness  the  humiliation  of  our  ghostly  friend,  notwith- 
standing your  superstitious  belief  in  her  invulnerability." 

Thinking  that  his  grit  was  of  the  "real  old  sort,"  I  helped 
him  get  in  the  wagon.  We  drove  to  the  saw-mill,  and,  leav- 
ing Tom  in  the  wagon,  where  he  could  command  the  ap- 
proaches, I  took  the  dogs  and  started  down  the  run.  I  had 
gone  but  a  short  distance  when  I  met  a  man  who  said  he  had 
started  a  white  partridge  several  times  without  getting  a 
shot,  and  that  she  had  gone  up  the  run,  and  was  probably  in 
the  big  alder  cover.  I  explained  the  situation  to  him,  and, 
joining  our  forces,  we  prepared  to  move  on  the  enemy's 
works  once  more.  Going  back  to  Tom,  we  sent  him  round 
to  the  lower  end  of  the  cover,  while  we  beat  up  the  fringe  of 
willows  and  the  hazel  thicket.  When  Tom  arrived  at  his 
post  we  heard  him  shout,  and  when  we  came  up  learned  that 
he  had  started  her  close  to  the  edge,  and  that  her  course  was 
still  onward  and  upward.  Sending  Tom  to  the  upper  end 
beyond  the  big  hemlock,  to  a  knoll,  where  he  C3uld  overlook 
the  whole  ground,  we  separated  a  few  rods  and  beat  up  to- 
ward him.  We  had  gone  half  way  up  before  we  found  her 
Irail.  I  soon  heard  her  rise  some  distance  ahead,  and  saw 
her  as  she  came  up  over  the  alders,  make  straight  for  the 
hemlock,  and  alight  in  its  branches.  A  moment  later  our 


THE  GROUSE  OF  MAPLE  RUN.          75 

ears  were  saluted  with  the  heavy  report  of  a  gun  from  under 
the  tree,  followed  by  a  prolonged  succession  of  unearthly 
shrieks  and  yells,  that  maie  my  hair  fairly  rise.  Knowing 
that  some  one  was  in  serious  trouble,  wo  started  upon  a  run 
to  see  what  was  the  matter.  I  had  gone  but  a  few  steps 
when  I  caught  a  glimpse  of  a  ghostly  streak  passing  over- 
head. Throwing  my  gun  well  ahead  of  it,  I  pulled  the 
trigger,  and  was  overjoyed  to  hear  that  welcome  sound  so 
dear  to  the  sportsonn's  heart — a  gentle  thud  as  she  struck 
the  ground.  With  quickening  pulse  I  listened  to  the  convul- 
sive nutter  with  which  our  gallant  spirit-bird  gave  up  her 
ghost.  I  did  not  go  back  for  her,  but  hastened  in  the  direc- 
tion of  those  blood-curdling  yells  that  did  not  cease  until  we 
struggled  through  the  thicket  into  the  open  space  under  the 
hemlock,  where  we  found  an  overgrown  lout  of  a  boy  hanging 
head  downward  on  the  slippery  ledge,  with  one  foot  caught 
in  a  crevice  of  the  rock.  We  released  him  unharmed,  and 
went  up  the  bank  into  the  open  where  we  found  Tom  hold- 
ing his  sides  and  laughing  like  one  possessed.  As  soon  as 
we  came  to  him  he  turned  with  flashing  eyes  upon  the 
culprit,  and,  shaking  his  long,  bony  finger  at  him,  exclaimed : 

"Served  you  right — shon  at  a  poor  defenseless  partridge 
up  a  tree,  will  you  ?  The  next  time  you  cat  such  a  capar  I 
hope " 

"That  you  will  sprain  your  ankle,"  added  I,  to  the  evident 
discomfiture  of  Tom. 

At  this  juncture  old  Start  made  his  appearance  with  the 
bird  in  his  mouth.  When  Tom  saw  her  he  exclaimed— and 
sticks  to  it  to  this  day — that  the  dog  caught  her— and  that 
none  of  us  were  smart  enough  to  run!  3  a  single  one  of  her 
beautiful  feathers.  SHADOW. 


MY  OLD  DOG  TRIM, 

"I  T  is  with  mingled  feelings  of  pleasure  and  regret  that  I  take 
•*•  up  my  pen  to  write  the  biography  of  my  old  dog  Trim, 
alas  I  long  since  translated  to  the  happy  hunting  grounds. 
Peace  be  with  him,  and  may  his  future  be  as  pleasant  as  the 
days  spent  on  earth.  May  he  find  in  those  spirit  woodlands 
numberless  ruffed  grouse,  and  obtain  for  a  companion  some 
congenial  human  spirit  to  roam  with  him  their  grateful 
shade  until  I  shall  come.  Then  will  his  cup  of  happiness 
ever  overflow,  and  the  reward  so  well  earned  here  be  his. 

Trim  was  rather  an  ordinary  looking-pointer,  of  the  old 
Spanish  type.  His  sire  came  from  Cuba,  and  was  said  to  be 
from  stock  that  had  been  kept  pure  for  more  than  a  hundred 
years.  He  was  so  staunch  that  he  was  worthless  for  hunt- 
ing, as  the  first  scent  of  garne  that  he  struck  would  invariably 
freeze  him  stiff,  and  nothing  could  stir  him  except  brute 
force.  I  have  frequently  flushed  and  killed  the  bird  to  his 
point,  and  after  gathering  it,  and  showing  it  to  him  and 
vainly  trying  to  induce  him  to  move  on — he  all  the  while 
perfectly  rigid— I  have  taken  him  by  the  collar  and  dragged 
him  many  rods  away,  only  to  have  him,  invariably,  as  soon 
as  I  let  go  of  him,  rush  back  to  where  he  found  the  scent, 
resume  his  point  to  stay  there,  unless  forced  away,  so  long 
as  the  least  vestige  of  taint  was  in  the  air.  I  have  known 
him  to  remain  for  hours,  as  I  several  times  left  him  to  his 
fate,  and  would  seldom  see  him  until  the  next  morning.  I 
bred  him  to  a  very  good-looking  lemon  and  white  bitch,  very 
fast  and  a  good  fielder,  but  rather  too  delicate  for  rough 
work.  The  result  was  a  fine  litter  of  eight.  I  selected  the 
subject  of  the  sketch  and  christened  him  Trim.  He  was  the 
best  dog  the  world  ever  produced,  and  the  best  one  that  I 
ever  saw.  Hold  on  I  I  believe  I  have  got  that  standard 
quotation  a  little  mixed,  but  as  it  is  gospel  truth  let  it  stand. 


MY  OLD  DOG  TRIM.  77 

I  had  no  end  of  trouble  with  him  in  his  early  days,  as  he 
did  rot  take  kindly  to  the  course  of  instruction  that  I  con- 
sidered indispensable  to  his  future  well  doing ;  it  was 
literally  a  course  of  sprouts  to  him.  After  many  trials,  and 
much  tribulation,  I  succeeded  in  teaching  him  to  retrieve — 
when  he  had  &  mind  to.  I  had  no  trouble  in  teaching  him 
to  charge,  as  that  appeared  to  be  his  forte.  He  was  the  most 
listless  pup  that  I  ever  saw,  and  could  discount  the  original 
"lazy  dog."  I  should  have  been  utterly  discouraged  had  I 
not  seen  him,  when  but  nine  weeks  old,  make  several  beauti- 
ful points  on  small  birds ;  and  on  rare  occasions  I  had  seen 
him  let  himself  out  in  wonderful  bursts  of  speed.  I  was 
hungering  and  thirsting  for  a  dog  that  would  point  his  game 
in  the  same  beautiful  gamey  style,  and  get  around  in  the 
same  lively  manner,  and  so  was  very  patient  with  him, 
hoping,  almost  against  hope,  that  he  would  sometimes  brace 
up  and  repay  me  for  my  trouble.  I  kept  him  until  he  was 
nearly  a  year  old,  when  my  mother,  who  had  suffered  long 
but  not  always  in  silence,  emphatically  told  me  that  she 
would  stand  it  no  longer;  Trim  must  go.  Fallowing  close 
upon  this  dictum  was  a  long  list  of  his  sins  of  omission  and 
commission,  the  former  consisting  mainly  in  omitting  to  get 
up  from  his  favorite  place  before  the  fire  when  any  one  was 
coming,  and  this  performance  had  just  ended,  with  herself 
as  principal  actress,  in  a  wild  whirl  of  dress  goods  and  a  sad 
mixing  up  of  woman,  dog  and  big  arm  chair.  There  was  a 
light  in  her  eye  that  I  did  not  dare  disregard ;  therefore,  the 
next  morning,  early,  I  took  Trim  about  three  miles  from 
home,  to  a  farmer  friend— who  had  vainly  asked  me  for  him 
several  times,  as  he  was  overrun  with  woodchucks,  and 
thought  that  the  dog  would  rid  him  of  the  pests.  I  left  him 
with  him  upon  conditions  that  he  should  use  him  well,  and 
return  him  to  me  in  the  fall  when  I  commenced  hunting. 
He  thankfully  received  him  and  promised  to  take  the  best  of 
care  of  him,  and  return  him  safe. 

I  must  confess  that  my  feelings  on  my  homeward  journey 
were  far  from  agreeable.  I  had  done  a  dishonorable  act ;  I 
had  foisted  upon  my  unsuspecting  and  guileless  farmer  friend 


78  MY  OLD  DOG  TRIM. 

a  worthless  cur.  How  should  1  ever  look  him  in  the  face 
again  I  On  account  of  this  feeling,  I  did  not  go  to  see  Trim, 
and  it  was  more  than  a  month  before  I  saw  the  farmer.  It 
was  with  conscious  blushes  and  a  deep  feeling  of  abjection 
that  I  responded  to  his  cheery,  "How  fare  you?"  and  was 
much  surprised  when  he  proceeded  to  laud  Trim  to  the 
skies.  "Why,"  said  he,  "I  haven't  fed  him  a  mouthful 
since  he  has  been  there ;  he  catches  a  woodchuck  every  day, 
and  sometimes  two,  and  don't  eat  anything  else."  I  took  an 
early  opportunity  to  pay  Trim  a  visit,  as,  notwithstanding 
his  many  faults,  I  had  a  warm  place  in  my  heart  for  him. 
I  shall  never  forget  the  human  expression  of  his  eyes  as  he 
looked  up  to  me  when  I  spoke  his  name.  My  eyes  were  full 
of  tears,  and  I  put  my  arm  around  his  neck,  and  did  not 
speak  for  some  time,  and  was  just  thinking  that  the  farmer 
and  his  wife  would  think  that  I  was  foolish  when  he  said : 
"Mary,  I  never  saw  such  an  expression  in  any  eye,  dumb 
or  human,  but  once  before  in  my  life,  and  that  was  up  under 
the  big  elm  when  I  asked  a  certain  little  woman  a  certain 
little  question,  and  she  laid  her  head  on  iny  shoulder  and 
looked  just  as  that  dog  did  ;  I  really  believe  he's  got  a  soul, 
and  I  don't  wonder  that  the  boy  sets  such  store  by  him." 
This  was  many,  many  years  ago,  but  the  scene  was 
impressed  indelibly  upon  my  memory,  and  oftentimes,  with 
mental  vision,  I  see  that  loving  glance. 

At  the  urgent  request  of  the  farmer  I  let  Trim  remain 
with  him  until  the  middle  of  November,  when  I  brought  him 
home  and  took  him  out  for  a  hunt.  If  possible  he  was 
lazier  than  ever,  and  I  had  hard  work  to  keep  him  with  me; 
he  would  lie  down  and  I  could  hardly  start  him.  After  a 
while  he  seemed  to  understand  that  it  was  either  travel  or 
trouble,  and  he  followed  at  heel  with  a  dogged  look  that  did 
not  augur  very  well  for  future  usefulness.  He  paid  not  the 
slightest  attention  to  the  other  dog,  and  when  I  killed  a  bird 
he  took  no  notice  of  it  whatever,  and  continued  to  act  in  this 
manner  during  several  trips.  One  day  when  I  saw  him  walk 
through  a  bevy  of  quails  and  the  birds  rose  all  around  him, 
and  he  took  no  more  notice  of  them  than  if  they  had  been  so 


MY  OLD  DOG  TRIM.  79 

many  flies,  I  was  utterly  discouraged.  On  my  way  home 
I  was  thinking  it  over,  and  the  more  I  thought  the  less  I 
liked  it,  and  I  made  up  my  mind  that  I  would  take  him  out 
the  next  day  and  shoot  him.  When  I  started  out  in  the 
morning  I  told  my  father  that  I  should  leave  Trim  in  the 
swamps  unless  he  showed  some  signs.  It  was  hard  to  make 
up  my  mind  to  this,  but  my  patience  was  entirely  exhausted, 
and  I  was  hearlbroken  with  his  apathetic  disposition.  I 
hunted  through  the  forenoon  with  fair  success,  and  hai  eaten 
my  lunch  and  was  just  ready  to  start  when  my  other  dog 
came  to  a  point,  right  in  the  path ;  I  walked  in  aheidaud 
flushed  a  bevy  of  quails  that  fl3W  straight  down  the  cart- 
path,  about  thirty  rods,  and  scattered  in  some  low  brush  on 
the  hillside.  I  followed  and  picked  up  several  of  them, 
when  I  happened  to  think  that  I  had  not  seen  Trim  for  some 
time;  I  whistled,  but  to  no  purpose,  and  started  back  ex- 
pecting to  find  him,  asleep,  where  I  Lad  eaten  lunch,  but 
when  I  got  into  the  path,  and  looked  up  it,  I  was  never 
more  astonished  in  my  life  than  to  see  tLis  brute  of  a  Trim 
on  a  staunch  point,  where  the  birds  first  started  from.  My 
mind  was  in  a  perfect  whirl ;  I  was  completely  dazsd,  and  it 
was  some  little  time  before  I  stirred  from  my  tracks.  There 
was  this  dog,  that  had  followed  me  around  for  two  weeks 
with  head  and  tail  down,  and  had  never  in  the  whole  time 
shown  the  least  sign  of  intelligence,  now  wid3  awake,  every 
hair  bristling  with  excitement,  his  head  well  up,  tail  straight, 
and  a  magnificent  sight  as  he  stood  in  the  open,  just  at  the 
top  of  rising  ground,  his  form  outlined  upon  the  clear  sky, 
his  jaws  quivering  with  excitement,  and  every  angle  and 
curve  of  his  body  expressing  eager  desire.  Here  at  last  was 
the  fruition  of  my  1  ^ng  cherished  wish  for  a  dog  that  would 
make  a  stylish,  gamey  point.  I  walked  up  to  him,  and  with 
many  a  loving  pit  and  kind  word  endeavored  to  make  him 
understand  that  I  was  in  full  s;mpathy  with  him,  and  that, 
thenceforth,  I  was  his  loving  friend.  It  was  laughable  to  see 
the  other  dog  perform;  although  one  of  the  best  dogs  to 
back  that  I  ever  owned,  he  was  undoubtedly  so  much  tur- 
priscd  to  see  Trim  point,  that  he  forgot  all  about  it,  and  with 


80  HY  OLD  DOG  TRIM. 

a  quizzical  glance  out  of  the  corner  of  his  eye  up  to  me,  he 
walked  up  to  him  wagging  his  tail,  and  for  half  a  minute 
looked  at  him  with  such  a  comical  expression  that  I  could 
not  help  laughing ;  then  ho  touched  his  nose  to  him  ao  if  to 
see  if  he  were  alive,  and  moved  a  step  in  front  and  suddenly 
froze  in  his  tracks.    I  had  supposed,  until  now,  that  Trim 
was  pointing  the  old  scent  where  the  birds  rose  a  half  hour 
before,  but  knowing  that  the  old  dog  would  not  do  this,  I 
began  to  think  that  there  was  more  to  the  circus  than  ap- 
peared in  the  bills,  so  I  stepped  in,  ahead,  when  up  rose  a 
quail  that  had  been  left.    With  a  mental  prayer  that  I  might 
.be  loaded  with  straight  powder  I  pulled  the  trigger  and  had 
the  satisfaction  of  seeing  the  bird  tumble.   More  than  pleased 
with  the  whole  performance,  I  loaded  up  and  ordered  the  old 
dog  to  fetch,  when  Trim,  with  a  rush  like  the  swoop  of  an 
eagle,  fairly  distanced  him,  and  picking  up  the  bird  returned, 
at  a  two-forty  gait,  and  laid  it  in  my  hand  without  ruffling  a 
feather.    To  say  that  I  was  happy  does  not  express  more 
than  half  of  it ;  I  was  nearly  delirious  with  joy,  and  I  fear 
that  I  cut  some  foolish  capers  and  said  many  silly  things.    It 
was  nearly  an  hour  before  I  felt  steady  enough  to  continue 
my  hunt.    Somehow  I  did  not  expect  to  ever  see  him  make 
another  point,  and  was  very  agreeably  surprised,  when  I 
ordered  the  old  dog  on,  to  see  Trim  take  the  gait  of  a  race- 
horse and  quarter  his  ground  like  a  veteran.    He  soon  struck 
scent,  and  made  a  another  beautiful  point;  the  old  dog 
backed  him  this  time  without  any  misgiving ;  I  walked  up 
to  him  and  gave  him  a  loving  pat,  when  he  moved  on  and  I 
followed  closj  to  him  for  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  and  such 
beautiful  roading  I  never  saw  before;  he  never  showed  the 
least  doubt  or  hesitancy,  but,  with  his  head  high  in  the  air, 
followed  the  birds  through  brake  and  briar  patch,  and  finally 
brought  up  at  the  edge  of  a  small  clump  of  bushes.    After 
admiring  his  beautiful  pose  a  moment  I  kicked  the  bnshes, 
when  up  rose  a  full  bevy  of  quails.    I  think  that  the  excite- 
ment that  I  had  gone  through  had  unnerved  me,  as  I  did 
not  harm  a  feather  with  either  barrel.    Taking  a  little  time 
to  recover  my  balance,  I  followed  them  up,  and  found  them 


MY  OLD  DOG  TRIM.  81 

among  some  scattered  birches.  Trim  behaved  beautifully, 
of  his  own  accord  he  took  the  wind,  and  with  head  up,  Le 
would  unerringly  locate  every  bird. 

I  had  always  considered  the  old  dog  as  first  rate,  and  he 
was  a  hard  dog  to  beat,  but  he  was  just  nowhere.  Trim 
found  all  the  birds  and  pointed  them  in  grand  style ;  his 
every  movement  was  beautiful  to  see ;  talk  of  the  poetry  of 
motion ;  here  it  was  exemplified.  Every  stride  was  a  stanza, 
and  every  point  that  he  made  was  a  whole  volume.  It  was 
with  feelings  of  deep,  heartfelt  satisfaction  that  I  wended 
my  way  home.  I  felt  as  though  I  was  walking  on  air;  I 
had  visions  of  glorious  sport  in  the  future ;  henceforth  I 
should  feast  my  fill,  and  enjoy  to  the  full  that  ecstatic  feeling 
of  almost  perfect  bliss  that  only  he  can  know  who  has  a  per- 
fect dog. 

When  I  told  my  father  in  glowing  language  the  result  of 
Trim's  last  trial  he  did  not  entirely  disbelieve  me,  as  he  knew 
that  I  always  carried  my  little  hatchet ;  but  expressed  a 
strong  desire  to  go  out  wiih  me  the  next  day  and  ses  this 
paragon,  and  judge  for  himself.  The  next  morning  we  were 
early  afoot  and  soon  arrived  at  the  covert.  Giving  Trim 
the  word  he  was  off  like  a  shot ;  we  were  in  an  alder  run^ 
some  fifty  yards  in  width,  with  a  broad  ditch  running  tho 
whole  length ;  Trim  was  covering  the  whole  ground,  leaping 
the  ditch  at  every  turn.  We  had  proceeded  some  distance, 
when,  just  as  he  rose  to  clear  the  ditch,  he  struck  scent,  and, 
as  ho  had  not  fairly  extended  himself  for  the  leap,  in  he  went 
neck  and  heels.  When  we  got  there  we  could  only  see  the 
top  of  his  head  and  the  end  of  his  nose ;  the  rest  of  him  had 
sunk  in  the  mud  with  which  the  ditch  was  filled ;  but  he  had 
not  broken  his  point ;  he  was  rigid  as  marble.  After  a  little 
trouble  I  succeeded  in  getting  across  to  where  I  could  reach 
him,  and,  grasping  his  collar,  I  landed  him  on  the  bank  and 
scraped  the  mud  from  him.  He  never  moved  a  muscle,  bu% 
if  anything,  was  more  ligid  than  before.  I  stepped  in  to 
raise  the  bird,  supposing  that  there  must  be  one  close  by, 
when  Le  carefully  moved  forward;  we  had  gone  but  a  few 
s'eps  before  I  noticed  that  his  style  was  altogether  different 


82  MT  OLD  DOG  TRIM. 

from  that  of  the  day  before ;  then  he  was  magnificent ;  now 
he  was  glorious.  Notwithstanding  his  bedraggled  condition, 
he  was  a  most  beautiful  sight  and  something  wonderful  to 
behold,  as,  with  heai  high  in  air,  his  eyes  protruding  from 
his  head,  his  mouth  partly  open  and  froth  covering  his  lips, 
he  followed  the  trail  as  I  have  often  imagined  the  lordly  lion 
moves  en  his  prey ;  there  was  no  noise  and  his  every  motion 
was  perfect  grace,  and  when,  at  last,  he  caine  to  a  stand  and 
refused  to  advance  another  step  we  stood  some  time  without 
speaking,  drinking  in  with  our  eyes  the  wonderful  picture. 
I  broke  the  weird  spell  by  advancing  a  few  steps,  when,  with 
a  mighty  roar,  up  rose  four  or  five  ruffed  grouse.  Catching 
a  glimpse  of  one  that  started  to  fly  back,  I  whirled,  and 
throwing  my  gun  in  his  direction  made  a  snap  shot,  and  was 
rewarded  by  hearing  that  soul-satisfying  thud  as  ho  struck 
the  ground.  Quickly  loading,  I  bad?  Trim  seek  dead;  he 
was  off  like  a  flisb,  and  soon  returned  with  the  bird.  1 
never  saw  a  dumb  brute  express  more  pleasure  than  he; 
circling  round  me,  with  arched  neck,  he  proudly  canied  the 
bird,  and  tried  plainly  to  express  his  ;py  and  to  make  me 
understand  that  this  was  his  game.  lie  was  very  loth  to 
give  up  the  bird,  and  after  I  had  taken  it  he  seemed  so  dis- 
appointed that  I  let  him  have  it  again,  which  pleased  him 
very  much,  and  he  started  off  hunting  with  the  bird  in  his 
mouth.  We  were  very  muc'a  amused  to  see  him  perform, 
and  were  greatly  astonished  to  see  him  come  to  a  point,  still 
holding  the  bird  in  his  mouth.  Walking  up  to  him  he  com- 
menced roadicg,  and  followed  the  bird  more  than  a  hundred 
yards  and  finally  brought  him  to  bay  in  a  corner.  As  I 
walked  in  ahead,  the  bird  rose  and  I  succeeded  in  bringing 
him  down.  After  loading  I  attempted  to  get  the  bird  still  in 
his  mouth,  but  he  did  not  want  to  give  it  up,  and  to  seo  what 
he  would  do  I  ordered  him  to  seek  dead;  he  soon  found 
it,  and  dropping  the  one  he  had  he  picked  up  the  one  just 
kilkd  and  brought  i",  to  me.  and,  before  I  had  a  chance  to  say 
a  word,  was  off  and  brought  me  the  other  one  and  gave  it  up 
readily.  We  concluded  that  hs  thought  that  the  first  bird 
was  some  rare  specimen,  and  the  only  one  that  he  would 


MY  OLD  DOG  TRIM.  83 

ever  see,  and  he  was  therefore  not  going  to  lose  sight  of  it, 
but  finding  that  the  "woods  were  full  of  them"  he  thought 
that  I  had  better  carry  it.  These  were  the  first  ruffed  grouse 
that  he  had  seen  and  I  made  up  my  mind  that,  although  he 
loved  them  so  well,  he  would  prove  their  deadly  foe— a 
prediction,  I  am  happy  to  say,  that  was  abundantly  verified 
on  many  occasions  in  after  years.  They  were  emphatically 
his  game,  and  although  he  was  a  remarkable  quail  and  wood- 
cock dog,  and  appeared  to  take  great  delight  in  their  pursuit, 
their  was  not  that  earnestness,  that  high  and  lofty  style  that 
took  possession  of  him  as  soon  a?  he  struck  thi  scent  of  his 
favorites.  A  very  enthusiastic  friend,  who  shot  with  me  a 
great  deal,  used  to  say  that  if  I  would  bring  him  a  single 
hair,  plucked  from  Trim  when  he  was  on  a  p  jint,  that  he 
could  tell  me  what  bird  was  before  him. 

There  was  an  incident  connected  with  this  day's  hunt  that 
made  a  deep  and  lasting  impression  upon  both  of  us ;  it  was 
an  exhibition  of  intelligence  such  as  we  had  never  witnessed 
before.  Upon  our  return  we  passed  through  the  alder  run, 
and,  on  account  of  better  wilkiog,  kept  on  the  bank  of  the 
ditch,  with  Trim  close  at  heel ;  when  we  arrived  at  the  place 
where  he  fe'l  in,  he  stepped  in  front  and  looking  up  at  us, 
with  a  waggish  expression  in  his  eye  and  a  positive  grin  on 
his  face,  appeared  to  enjoy  the  remembrance  of  his  mishap 
of  the  morning;  we  both  laughed  heartily,  and  I  am  sure 
that  the  d  )g  was  laugh'ng  too.  I  am  well  aware  that  any- 
thing of  this  kind,  whan  put  on  paper,  loses  a  very  large  por- 
tion of  its  most  interesting  features;  it  is  utter'y impossible 
to  depict  the  i  Icquent  expression  of  his  eye,  or  the  significant 
wag  of  his  tail ;  the  performances  must  have  been  seen  to 
bs  fully  appreciated. 

Trim's  reasoning  faculties  were  of  a  high  order,  and  I 
could  give  you  hundreds  of  instances  sinrlar  to  the  above, 
but  for  fear  of  being  too  prolix  I  will  forbear ;  this  being  the 
first  time  that  h-5  had  displayed  this  wonderful  faculty,  it 
struck  us  as  being  something  remarkable.  The  day  was  a 
glorious  revelation  to  me  ;  I  caught  a  glimpse  of  some  of  (he 
possibilities  of  ruffed  grouse  hunting ;  hitherto  I  had  hunted 


84  MY  OLD  DOG  TRIM. 

them,  as  almost  every  one  does,  in  a  haphazard  manner, 
thinking  the  god3  when  I  was  lucky  enough  to  bag  one,  and 
•was  not  very  particular  how  it  was  done,  provided  I  got  it. 
I  liked  the  birds  well  enough  but  had  always  looked  upon 
them  as  too  wild  and  cunning  for  me,  and  had  never  spent 
much  time  upon  them,  devoting  nearly  all  my  time  to  wood- 
cock and  quails ;  but  this  day's  sport  had  convinced  me  that 
there  was  a  wealth  of  genuine,  soul-satisfying  sport  in  their 
pursuit  that  I  had  not  dremied  of,  and  that  no  more  royal 
game  bird  graced  our  forests,  an  opinion  that  has  been 
strengthened  year  by  year,  and  to-day  I  had  rather  take  a 
good  dog  and  follow  up  s^me  old,  wary  cock  grouse,  even  if 
I  do  not  get  him,  than  to  bag  a  dozen  woodcock  or  quails. 
Excuse  this  d'gres-ion,  as  I  am  a  little  daft  oa  the  sjrouss 
question,  and  when  I  get  a  going  do  not  knov  when  to  stop. 
There  was  one  more  reve'ation  connected  with  this  day  that 
I  caught  a  faint  glimpse  of  that  I  must  mention.  I  thought 
that  I  knew  about  all  there  was  to  be  known  about  hunting, 
but  before  night  I  had  the  faintest  suspicion  of  the  fact  that 
the  dog  knew  more  than  I  did  about  some  things,  and  I  had 
hunted  but  a  fe  ;v  d  ys  with  him  before  every  doubt  upon  the 
subject  was  removed,  and,  (ver  after,  when  there  was  any 
coriflict  of  opinion  as  t  >  where  the  birds  were,  I  let  the  dog 
have  his  own  way.  This  was  brought  about  by  observing 
that  when  I  was  at  fau't  in  marking  down  a  bird  that  Trim 
had  ideas  of  his  own  upon  the  subject,  which  were  generally 
correct ;  he  was  ra-ely  at  fault,  and  was  possessed  of  a  re- 
markable faculty  for  locating  a  flashed  bird.  II  j  appeared 
to  know  intuitively  just  where  it  would  alight.  In  vain 
would  I  try  to  make  him  hunt  closer  the  particular  bit  of 
cover  where  I  had  seen  the  bird  go  down,  and,  after  several 
times  tramping  the  spot  out  myself  to  no  purpose,  he  would, 
nearly  always,  lead  me  straight  to  the  bird.  Oace,  I  shall 
never  forget,  I  tried  to  make  him  go  back  and  work  over  a 
corner  that  we  had  just  come  through,  feeling  sure  that  I 
had  marked  the  bird  correctly,  and  that  it  was  lying  close  in 
there;  he  would  not  budge  an  inch,  but  looked  back  at  me 
over  his  shoulder,  slighlly  wagging  his  tail,  and  tried  to 


MY  OLD  DOG  TRIM.  85 

induce  me  to  follow  to  the  next  corner,  a  few  rods  to  the 
right.  I  was  vexed  at,  what  I  then  thought,  his  sullen 
humor,  and,  breaking  a  stick,  gave  him  a  beating.  As  soon 
as  I  let  go  of  his  collar  he  made  a  bolt  for  the  next  corner, 
and  came  to  a  point  just  at  its  edge,  and  turned  back  his  head 
to  see  if  I  was  coming.  I  followed  mechanically,  feeling  very 
uncomfortable,  and  that  somehow  I  had  done  wrong.  When 
I  came  up  with  him  he  broke  his  point,  and  making  a  detour 
tog  et  the  wind,  he  soon  had  the  bird  fast.  I  stepped  in 
ahead,  and  as  soon  as  the  bird  rose  I  knew  that  it  was  the 
one  that  I  thought  I  had  marked  so  correctly,  as  I  had  shot 
at  it  and  cut  a  feather  or  two  from  its  wing,  which 
caused  it  to  make  a  peculiar  whistling  sound.  At  the  first 
flutter  of  its  wings,  there  was  such  a  revulsion  of  feeling 
came  over  me  as  I  wish  never  to  experienc3  again ;  dropping 
my  gun  1  rusbed  back  to  the  dog  and  throwing  my  arms 
around  his  neck  teirfully  promised  him  that  never  more 
would  we  have  any  misunderstanding.  Trim  appeared  to 
realize  what  was  passing  in  my  mind;  giving  me  a  loving 
look,  out  of  his  wondrous,  great  brown  eyes,  he  licked  my 
face,  some  hing  he  had  never  done  before.  From  this  time 
forward  we  w<  re  in  perfect  accord,  and  I  never  allowed  any 
doubt  in  my  mind  to  influence  me  when  he  intimated  to  the 
contrary.  As  the  season  was  far  advarc^d  I  had  but  few 
mTe  days'  sport,  but  they  were  replete  with  a  wonderful 
feeling  of  complete  enjoyment,  such  as  I  had  never  ex- 
perienced before. 

Although  Trim  started  off  in  such  grand  form  he  improved 
visibly  every  time  we  went  out,  and  it  was  with  deep  regret 
that  I  hung  up  my  gun  at  the  close  of  the  season.  I  was  not 
aware  how  deep  a  hold  my  sporting  proclivities  had  upon 
me,  until  I  could  no  longer  gratify  them.  So  fascinating  had 
been  the  spoit,  enjoyed  in  the  last  few  weeks,  it  was  along 
time  before  I  could  think  or  talk  about  anything  else. 

Many  moons  waxed  and  waned,  and  still  in  my  dreams  the 
rear  of  the  swift  winged  grouse,  as  they  rose  and  burst 
through  the  tangled  covert,  only  to  be  quickly  brought  down 
by  my  unerring  aim,  and  the  beautiful  and  unique  position 


86  MY  OLD  DOG  TRIM. 

of  Trim,  as  like  Nemesis  he  silently  followed  them  to  their 
fate,  gave  me  great  consolation  and  made  life,  during  the 
close  season,  not  quite  unendurable. 

It  was  with  happy  feelings  of  glorious  anticipation  that 
my  chosen  friend  and  self,  accompanied  by  Trim,  sallied 
forth  at  early  dawn  on  the  first  day  of  the  open  season. 
Would  that  I  wielded  the  magic  pen  of  a  Herbert  to  describe 
to  you  the  manifold  beauties  of  that  lovely  morning,  and  to 
lead  you,  step  by  step,  through  wooded  aisle  and  open  glade, 
and  to  depict  in  glowing  colors  the  many  interesting  scenes 
that  were  constantly  transpiring ;  and,  more  than  all  else, 
would  I  wish  to  impart  to  yon  a  portion  of  the  joyful  feel- 
ings that  to  us  were  a  continual  feast ;  but  as  my  pen  is  only 
a  feeble  one,  at  best,  I  will  leave  all  th;s  to  your  imagination. 
Suffice  it  to  say  that  Trim  more  than  verified  the  encomiums 
that  I  had  lavishly  bestowed  upon  him,  and  converted  my 
friend  from  the  error  of  his  ways,  woodcock- ward,  and  made 
him  a  staunch  and  lifelong  devotee  at  the  shrine  of  the  lordly 
grouse. 

There  is  no  game  bird  in  the  world  that  so  taxes  the  skill 
and  patience  of  dog,  and  man,  as  a  sly,  old  cock  grouse ; 
most  fertile  in  cunning  resources  to  evade  you  and  escape, 
when,  seemingly,  you  have  him  safe.  In  vain  did  they  essay 
their  most  wily  stratagems  with  Trim ;  be  was  up  to  all 
theb  maneuvers,  and  I  could  nearly  always,  tell  what  par- 
ticular trick  a  bird  was  going  to  try  on  us  by  paying  close  at- 
tention to  the  dog.  Did  it  attempt  to  run  and  gain  the 
vantage  of  distance,  from  which  to  rise  well  out  of  shot,  like 
a  whirlwind  Trim  was  after  it,  and  passing  on  one  side  of  it, 
a  few  feet  ahead,  he  would  turn  and  point  as  staunch  as  a 
rock,  with  the  sadly  demoralized  bird  between  us.  He 
would  rarely  fail  in  forcing  the  wildest  of  them  to  lie  securely 
hid  until,  in  numberless  instances,  I  have  literally  kicked 
them  from  their  hiding- place,  so  badly  scared  that  the  veriest 
tyro  could  easily  have  knocked  them  over  as  they  floundered 
away  in  a  straigit  line,  all  the  conceit,  that  they  could  twist 
and  double,  taken  out  of  them.  Did  they  endeavor  to 
"swing  round  the  circle"  and  get  in  our  rear,  and  scare  us 


MY  OLD  DOG  TRIM.  87 

almost  to  death  with  their  infernal  clatter,  as  they  rose  from 
the  path  where  we  had  just  passed,  secure  in  the  knowledge 
that  if  they  heard  the  whistle  of  the  shot  it  would  not  be  in 
their  direction,  it  was  generally  their  last  swing,  for  this  per- 
formance had  fooled  us  several  times,  and  appeared  to  vex 
Trim,  and  so  soon  as  a  curve  in  tbe  trail  led  him  to  suspect 
the  trick,  his  hair  would  rise,  and  he  would  back  out  from 
the  trail  and  swing  for  them  in  a  manner  that  they  did  not 
appear  to  understand.  Circling  at  break  neck  speed,  until 
he  got  the  wind  of  the  now  confused  bird,  he  would  hold  it 
fast  and  give  me  an  easy  shot.  His  wonderful  reasoning 
powers,  and  the  tact  which  he  displayed,  in  adapting  himself 
to  the  different  moods  of  the  birds,  were  very  prolific  in 
filling  the  bag.  Were  they  wild  and  prone  to  rise  at  a  long 
distance,  he  would  make  as  much  noise  as  a  pair  of  unbroken 
steers,  and  thrash  around  in  the  brush  in  a  manner  that 
strangers  to  him  would  always  ridicule ;  but  he  knew  what 
he  was  about,  and  approaching  the  bird  in  a  serpentine 
course  would  get  as  close  as  he  wished,  and  make  his  point, 
from  which  an  avalanche  could  not  stir  him,  and  you  could 
go  home  and  get  your  dinner,  with  no  fear  but  that  you 
would  find  him  there  when  you  returned,  aud  the  bird  too. 
Were  they  shy  and  disposed  to  skulk  and  bide,  no  cat  more 
stealthy  than  he ;  with  his  head  always  high  in  air  he 
would  creep  through  the  tangled  thicket,  never  breaking  a 
twig,  nor  turning  a  leaf,  and  if  we  did  not  get  the  bird  it  was 
not  for  the  want  of  a  fair  shot.  As  an  instance  of  his  re- 
markable sagacity,  I  will  relate  an  incident  that  was  very 
pleasing  to  me,  and  that  resulted  in  the  capture  of  a  most 
royal  bird.  It  was  just  at  the  outlet  of  a  large  swamp,  where 
there  was  a  ditch  about  four  feet  wide,  and  as  deep,  that 
emptied  into  a  small  stream  which  it  intersected  at  right 
angles ;  along  tho  bank  of  the  stream  was  an  alder  thicket 
that  extended  up  stream  ten  or  twelve  rods  and  then  curved 
round  and  joined  the  swamp;  near  the  mouth  of  the  ditch 
was  a  favorite  spot  from  which  I  had  several  times  started 
a  noble  bird,  which  had  always  got  away  scot  free  ;  it  would 
manage  to  put  the  thicket  between  itself  and  myself,  and  fly 


83  MY  OLD  DOG  TRIM. 

close  to  the  ground  until  out  of  shot.  Bound  to  circumvent 
it,  I  took  a  friend  and  placing  him  on  the  bank  of  the  creek, 
I  took  the  inside,  between  the  alders  and  ditch,  and  sent  the 
dog  in  the  thicket ;  he  soon  struck  the  trail,  and  followed  it 
down  to  the  ditch;  I  took  my  stand  about  a  rod  from  the 
ditch  and  directed  my  companion  to  walk  up  to  the  dog  and 
flush  the  bird,  which  he  did,  and  the  wiley  old  fellow, 
taking  in  the  situation  at  a  glance,  dived  for  the  ditch  and 
flew  so  low  that  neither  of  us  could  see  him.  But  he  had 
played  his  last  trick ;  there  was  a  streak  of  dog  and  mud 
after  him  that  forced  him  t0  show  himself ;  a  sullen  roar,  a 
cloud  of  feathers,  and  the  gallant  bird  was  beaten  at  his  own 
game.  Instead  of  standing  perfectly  still  at  the  report  of  the 
gun,  as  he  invariably  did,  Trim  came  directly  to  us,  and, 
capering  around  us,  plainly  expressed  his  joy  at  the  result ; 
then  going  for  the  bird,  he  brought  it  to  my  friend  first,  and, 
arching  his  neck,  marched  around  him  in  triumph  two  or 
three  times,  and  then  brought  it  to  me.  This  was  the  first 
and  last  time  I  ever  knew  him  to  chase. 

Trim  was  abs  lutely  perfect  in  the  field;  there  was  no 
necessity  to  tell  him  where  to  go ;  he  c  overed  the  whole 
ground,  and,  although  a  very  fast  and  wide  ranger,  quartered 
his  ground  so  close,  and  showed  himself  so  often,  that  it  was 
no  trouble  to  keep  track  of  him.  At  the  faintest  indication 
of  scent  he  would  come  to  a  point  and  remain  quiet  until  I 
came  up  to  him,  and  when  he  had  located  his  bird  neither 
encouragement  nrr  threats  could  move  him  an  inch.  At  the 
rise  of  the  bird,  or  re  port  of  the  gun,  he  remained  perfectly 
still  in  whatever  position  he  happend  to  be,  until  ordered  on. 
He  was  one  of  the  best  retrievers  that  I  ever  siw,  both  from 
land  and  water,  never  mouthing  his  birds,  or  ruffling  a  feather. 
I  never  knew  him  to  bite  a  bird  but  once ;  we  were  hunting 
a  wide  belt  of  timber  when  my  companion,  at  some  distance 
to  my  right,  signalled  a  point ;  I  crossed  over  and,  when 
nearly  to  him,  flushed  and  shot  a  woodcock;  at  the  report  of 
the  gun,  a  grouse  rose  before  the  dog  and  my  friend  dropp?d 
it  close  by  the  woodcock;  both  birds  were  only  winged. 
Trim  gathered  the  grouse  first,  when,  comirg  in,  he  stumbled 


MY  OLD  DOG  TRIM.  89 

over  Ihe  woodcock,  which  he  saw  was  trying  to  get  away, 
he  dropped  the  grouse  and  seized  the  woodcock,  then  seeing 
the  grouse  making  off  he  changed  again;  after  swappiog 
three  or  four  times  he  deliberately  shut  h;s  jaws  on  the 
woodcock,  and,  laying  him  down,  picked  up  the  grouse,  and 
bringing  him  in  returned  and  brought  the  woodcock  and 
carried  it  straight  to  my  friend,  reasoning  (hat  he  would  not 
say  a  word,  whereas,  if  he  brought  it  to  me,  I  might  scold 
him  for  biting  it.  His  conduct  was  the  more  singular,  as  he 
was  very  jealous  that  I  should  have  all  the  birds,  and  no  one 
could  coax  him  to  give  up  a  single  one.  He  was  an  inde- 
fatigable worker  and  disliked  to  stop  a  moment,  but  would 
work  from  morning  until  night ;  it  was  hard  work  to  keep 
him  quiet  when  I  sat  down  to  rest  or  eat  a  lunch.  One  diy 
we  had  tramped  a  long  distance,  amd  coming  out  on  the 
sunny  side  of  the  woods  we  sat  down  and  took  a  long  rest ; 
when  we  got  ready  to  start  Trim  was  missing ;  I  called  and 
whistled,  but  he  did  not  come ;  casting  my  eyes  across  the 
open  lot  I  saw  him  two  hundred  yards  away,  at  the  far  edge, 
pointing  directly  toward  us.  When  we  came  up  to  him  he 
broks  his  point,  and  wheeling  round  in  the  opposite  direction 
led  us  a  quarter  of  a  mile  away  and  came  to  a  point  at  the 
edge  of  a  stuble  field ;  moving  on  we  soon  flush  d  a  noble 
bevy  of  quail.  It  was  plain  to  be  seen  that  he  had  been  there 
before,  as  his  footprints  were  visible  on  the  soft  ground ;  he 
evidently  reasoned  that  we  would  nev(  r  find  him,  and,  to  let 
us  know  that  he  had  found  game,  delibrately  broke  his  point, 
and  retracing  his  steps  to  where  we  could  see  him,  pointedly 
told  us  to  come  along.  This  peculiar  trait  soon  became 
habitual  with  him,  and  ever  after  we  let  him  have  his  own 
way,  knowing  that  if  he  found  birds  he  would  show  himself 
and  cause  us  no  trouble  to  look  him  up.  I  found  this  habit 
very  useful  the  next  season,  as,  owing  to  a  severe  cut  on  my 
ankle,  I  was  incapacitated  from  waging  very  far.  I  would 
sit  in  tbe  wagon  and  let  him  go,  whiling  away  the  moments, 
like  the  "lone  fisherman,"  in  "glorious  anticipation,"  keep- 
ing a  sharp  watch  in  every  direction,  and  wondering  at  what 
point  he  wou'd  make  his  appearance.  As  game  was  very 


90  MY  OLD  DOG  TRIM. 

plenty  I  was  generally  rewarded  by  seeing  him  come  bound- 
ing into  open,  and,  after  a  stride  or  two,  strike  an  attitude, 
the  memory  of  which,  even  now,  after  the  lapse  of  nearly 
forty  years,  causes  my  heart  to  bound  .with  del'ght,  and  sends 
the  hot  blood  tingling  to  my  fingers  ends.  When  Trim  made 
a  point  there  was  a  magnetic,  inspiriting  sympathy,  amongst 
all  beholders,  that  I  can  compare  to  nothing  excepting  to  the 
sensation  of  an  electric  shock,  and  I  have  yet  to  see  the  dog 
that  will  cause  my  hair  to  rise  to  the  elevation  it  obtained 
when  viewing  his  performances.  I  cannot  better  describe 
this  feeling  than  to  quote  the  language  of  a  wood-chopping 
Irishman,  near  whom  Trim  came  to  point.  When  we  came 
up  the  man  had  dropped  his  axe  and  stood  looking  at  him 
with  heaving  chest,  gaping  mouth  and  wide  open  eye?. 
"Look  at  him!"  te  said:  "did  yees  iver  see  the  likes  of 
that :  howly  Moses,  how  my  hair  riz  up  and  the  cowld  chills 
run  up  my  back  when  he  tuck  the  seen* ;  if  the  howly 
virgin  shud  tell  me  there  want  twinty  burds  just  forcinst 
him,  by  my  sow'l  I'd  belave  the  dog  furst," 

As  an  instance  of  his  wonderful  power  of  fascination  I 
cannot  forbear  relating  a  little  incident  that  afforded  us  many 
days  of  first-rate  pport.  We  were  hunting  close  to  the  farm 
cf  a  man  who  never  allowed  shooters  to  set  foot  on  his  prem- 
ises. Trim  came  to  a  point  a  few  yards  from  the  line,  and 
as  we  came  up  to  him  we  observed  the  mm  leaning  on  the 
fence,  looking  on.  "Hold  on,"  said  he,  "I  want  to  come 
over  acd  see  that  dog."  We  cordially  invited  him,  and  the 
old  man  became  quite  excited.  "Why,"  said  he,  "  I  hain't 
been  so  woke  up  since  my  old  stigs  runaway  with  the  plow  ; 
see  that  consarned  dog's  hair  turn  toward  his  head — it  beats 
all  creation  1"  We  flashed  and  killed  the  bird  and  the  old 
man  was  perfec'ly  delighted.  Afcer  telling  us  he  came  out 
to  keep  us  off  his  land,  he  gave  us  a  pressing  invitation, 
which  he  did  not  have  to  repeat,  to  go  over  and  hunt  in  his 
woods,  acd  he  would  go  with  us  as  he  wanted  to  see  that 
dog  perform  some  more.  It  is  needless  to  say  that  we  went, 
and  not  only  had  a  good  time,  but  a  good  dinner,  both  of 
which  were  repeated  on  many  subsequent  occasions,  for  he 


MY  OLD  DOG  TRIM.  91 

urgently  invited  us  to  come  again  and  to  be  sure  and  let  him 
know  FO  that  he  could  go  along  and  see  the  fan. 

After  a  few  seasons  Trim  gained  a  wonderful  knowledge 
of  the  habits  of  the  game  he  hunted,  particularly  his  favor- 
ite, the  grouse.  After  he  had  taken  two  or  three  turns  in 
the  cover  he  would  almost  unerringly,  indicate  by  his  man- 
ner, the  presence  or  abseccs  of  game.  Did  he  put  onTmore 
steam,  and  hunt  as  though  he  expected  to  find  game,  you 
could  take  your  oath  that  birds  were  near,  or  had  been  re- 
cently. Oa  the  other  hand,  did  he  slacken  his  pace,  or  ex- 
p  ess  indifference,  you  might  as  well  strike  for  some  other 
locality  as  he  was  rarely  mistaken.  I  soon  discovered  that 
he  used  his  eyes  as  well  as  his  nose,  and,  by  closely  watch- 
ing him  and  profiting  by  his  example,  I  soon  became  quite 
an  adept  in  finding  "signs."  Th3  faintest  indication  of  birds, 
where  they  had  scratched  among  the  leaves,  the  plainly-to- 
be-seen  wallow  holes,  where  they  had  dusted  themselves,  a 
stray  feather,  their  droppings,  or  the  partly  eaten  skunk  cab- 
bage were  to  him  as  an  open  book  that  he  literally  read  as  he 
ran.  Often  have  I  seen  him  slow  up  and,  glancing  at  the 
ground,  throw  his  head  in  my  direction  and  give  me  an  ex- 
pressive glance,  accompanied  by  just  the  faintest  wag  of  the 
end  of  his  tail ;  then  off  again,  at  increased  speed,  he  would 
seldom  f  lil  to  soon  fiad  more  tangible  proofs  of  the  presence 
of  birds.  Upon  examining  these  places  I  would  find  unmis- 
takable "jsigns,"  and  soon  learned  to  see  them  unaided  by 
him.  It  is  but  a  few  days  since  I  caused  an  incredulous 
smile  to  overspread  the  countenance  of  a  friend,  with  whom 
I  was  out  shooting,  by  pronouncing  the  cover  we  were  in  to 
be  the  home  of  a  covey  of  grouse.  We  had  gone  scarcely 
fifty  yards,  and  he  was  saying  that  he  had  hunted  this  cover 
for  more  than  a  dozen  years  and  had  never  seen  a  grouse  in 
it,  when  the  dog  came  to  a  point  and  we  flushed  a  splendid 
covey  of  ten  or  eleven  birds,  e;ght  of  wh'ch  accompanied  us 
home.  It  is  a  source  of  pleaaure  to  me,  as  well  as  a  cause  of 
wonder  to  my  sporting  friends,  that  I  am  thus  able  to  predict 
the  near  presence  of  game.  This  is  one  souvenir,  left  me  by  old 
Trim,  that  helps  to  keep  him  ever  in  grateful  remembrance. 


92  MY  OLD  DOG  TRIM. 

Nothing  pleised  Trim  better  than  to  get  after  a  wiley  old 
cock  grouse.  With  what  pertinacity  he  would  stick  to  him  ! 
It  was  then  that  he  put  forth  his  greatest  efforts,  growing 
more  eag^r  at  every  rise,  until,  at  1  ist,  when  we  had  tired 
the  bird  out,  or  scared  him  so  that  we  could  approach  near 
enough  for  a  shot,  his  hair  would  turn  toward  his  head  and 
he  would  seem  to  expand  to  twic ;  his  usual  size  At  such 
times  he  would  turn  his  head  until  he  ciught  my  eye,  when  he 
would  give  me  a  glance  of  exultation  that  there  was  no  mis- 
taking. Ordinarily  when  I  killed  a  bird,  he  would  bring  it 
in  and  lay  it  in  my  hand,  with  simply  a  wag  of  his  tail ;  but 
when  we  got  one  of  those  wise  old  birds  he  wouM  Always 
arch  his  neck  and  proudly  walk  around  ins  once  or  t  sdce 
before  delivering  it,  and  had  we  extra  hard  work  to  circum- 
vent one  he  would  accompany  his  triumphant  march  with  a 
joyful  whine,  or,  as  a  friend  expressed  it,  "Singing  a  poem 
of  victory."  I  shall  never  forget  one  famous  chase  after  a 
magnificent  old  cock  that  led  us  a  wild  tramp  upwards  of  four 
miles,  straightaway,  from  the  team,  which  we  did  not  see 
again  until  after  ten  o'clock  at  night.  We  started  him  about 
two  o'clock;  he  rose  two  hundred  yards  away,  ont  from  one 
end  of  an  alder  run  as  we  entered  at  the  other.  I  caught  a 
glimpse  of  him  as  he  swung  over  the  tree  tops,  and  got  his 
course,  which  led  into  heavy  limber,  where  we  followed  him 
a  long  distance  only  to  see  him  pitch  down  from  the  top  of  a 
tall  tree.  Thinking  that  he  would  not  *'  treJ'  again,  I  kept 
on ;  Trim  soon  found  his  trail,  but  before  we  got  within  fifty 
yards  hi  was  off  again.  He  pursued  the  same  tactics  several 
times  until  my  "blood  was  up,"  and  Trim  was  more  inter- 
ested than  I  had  ever  seen  him  before ;  h3  raged  around  like 
a  mad  bull,  the  froth  flying  from  his  lips  and  his  eyes  glaring 
like  those  of  a  scared  cat.  It  was  now  getting  quite  interest- 
ing, as  it  was  nearly  night ;  I  still  f oUowed  on,  thinking  that 
we  must  [be  getting  the  old  fellow's  wind,  a  supposition 
whioh  proved  correct,  for  Trim  soon  came  to  a  point,  and 
showed  by  his  actions  that  he  was  close  on  to  him.  Step- 
ping in  front,  great  was  my  chagrin  to  hear  this  awful  bird 
burst  close  to  me,  but  on  the  other  side  of  a  bunch  of  laurel 


MY  OLD  DOG  TRIM.  93 

that  I  could  neither  see  through  nor  over  ;  I  was  mad,  but 
nevertheless  we  went  f  ^r  him  again.  His  next  flight  was 
short  and  we  soon  four  d  him  in  a  bunch  of  laurel.  Making 
up  my  mind  that  something  must  be  done,  I  made  a  rush  for 
the  bunch,  and,  as  I  went  in,  heard  him  derisely  chuckle  at 
me,  and  then,  with  victorious  clapping  of  wing,  he  was  off  ; 
but  he  lit'le  knew  with  what  momentum  I  had  charged  that 
"  forlorn  hope."  I  got  through  somehow  and  was  in  time  to 
"cut him  down  in  his  pride."  How  Trim's  eyes  did  sparkle, 
and  how  his  tail  did  wiggle !  With  what  exultant  feelings  I 
proceeded  to  load,  meanwhile,  as  was  my  wont,  talking  to 
Trim  and  telling  him  what  mighty  Nimrods  we  were.  When 
Trim  went  to  bring  it  I  soon  saw  th  it  it  was  only  winged, 
but  I  had  no  fear,  as  it  was  impossible  for  a  woucded  bird  to 
get  away  from  him.  As  he  was  gone  longer  than  usual  I 
started  after  him  and  was  much  surprised  to  meet  him  com- 
ing back  with  head  and  tail  clear  down,  and  without  the 
bird :  when  he  saw  me  he  sullenly  led  the  way  to  a  ledge  of 
rock  under  which  the  confounded  bird  had  taken  refuge,  se- 
cure as  though  he  were  a  thousand  miles  away. 

I  will  draw  the  curtain  here  ;  our  woe  was  too  sacred  for 
profane  eyes.  It  was  now  sundown,  and  to  avoid  the  track- 
less forest  I  concluded  to  skirt  the  edge,  as,  although  a  mile 
or  two  further,  it  would  be  easier.  We  had  gone  but  a  short 
distance  when  from  under  an  old  tree  top  out  went  as  many 
as  twenty  grouse ;  droping  one  right  and  left,  I  did  not  wait 
to  load,  but  sent  Trim  after  them.  He  brought  them  in,  but 
so  badly  did  he  feel  about  losing  that  bird  that  the  customary 
wag  of  his  tail  was  entirely  wanting,  and  he  showed  no  dis- 
position to  follow  up  the  birds  just  started,  but  gloomily  fol- 
lowed close  at  heel.  Not  being  very  well  acquainted  with 
the  ground,  and  as  it  was  pitch  dark,  it  took  us  four  weary 
hours  to  get  back  to  the  team.  Trim  sulked  all  the  way,  and 
not  even  the  memory  of  that  beautiful  double  could  dissipate 
the  sadness  from  my  mind. 

The  next  morning,  taking  a  friend  along,  we  drove  near  to 
the  place  where  I  had  started  so  many  birds.  As  soon  as  we 
stopped  to  hitch  the  horse  Trim  bolted  for  the  ledge  at  the 


94  MY  OLD  DO  &  TRIM. 

top  of  his  speed,  and  taking  the  trail  of  our  wounded  bird, 
which  had  left  its  hiding  place,  soon  had  it  where  tricks 
would  not  save  its  bacon,  and  bringing  it  to  us,  paraded 
around  with  it,  whining  with  pleasure,  aud  finally  matched 
up  to  the  horse  and  rearing  up  on  his  hind  legs,  held  the  bird 
for  him  to  smell;  then  bringing  it  to  me  he  barked  and 
copered  until  our  sides  ached  laughing  at  his  comical  per- 
formances. He  had  neve  r  barked  before  on  any  such  occa- 
sion, but  he  felt  so  good  that  he  had  got  the  best  of  this,  the 
wildest  bird  that  we  ever  saw,  that  ordinary  language  failed 
to  express  his  feeling',  and  several  times  through  the  day  he 
would  stop  and  look  at  us,  a  world  of  intelligence  in  his 
glance,  and  give  two  or  three  short  barks,  b\  which  we, 
knowing  that  he  was  making  remarks  about  his  feat  of  the 
morning,  would  respond  with  words  of  praise  which  he  ap- 
peared fully  to  understand.  A  year  atterwaid,  when  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  ledge,  he  looked  up  in  my  face  and  used  the 
same  language,  and  I  am  confident  from  his  marner  that  he 
retained  a  lively  recollection  of  the  aflair. 

I  could  fill  volumes  with  interesting  incidents  connected 
with  Trim's  career,  but  I  fear  that  already  I  have  wearied  the 
patience  of  the  reader,  and  will  say  but  a  few  words  more. 
For  iraLy,  very  many  long  years  I  have  been  anxiously 
ee  king  the  counterpart  of  old  Trim;  several  times  have  I 
succeeded  in  finding  something  that  cime  very  near  to  him 
on  some  ore  kind  of  game,  bnt  I  have  never  seen  the  dog 
that  could  compare  wi  h  him  for  all  kinds  of  birds  ;  and  for 
unflagging  energy,  combined  wiih  rare  judgment,  and,  far 
more  thin  all  else,  for  speaking,  almost  human  intelligence, 
he  stands  without  a  rival. 

Graceful  ferns,  mingled  with  somber  hued  mosses,  gently 
wave  over  his  silent  i  esting  place ;  and,  for  more  than  a 
quarter  of  a  century,  as  each  golden  Indian  summer  returns, 
to  us,  loving  hands  have  plucked  from  the  graceful  neck  of 
the  lordly  grouse  their  beautiful  plumes,  and  strewed  his 
lowly  bed  with  fitting  tribute  to  the  memory  of  him  who 
loved  them  so  well.  SHADOW. 


REARING  PUPPIES. 

WE  receive  many  letters  from  different  sections  of  the 
country  complaining  of  want  of  success  in  raising 
puppies.  Nearly  all  of  them  state  that  the  writers  have 
taken  great  pains  with  the  animals  and  given  them  the  best 
of  care,  but  in  spite  of  their  efforts  they  sicken  and  die  and, 
in  many  instances,  entire  litters  are  lost. 

We  have  often  thought  that  perhaps  the  great  mortality 
complained  of  is  owing  in  a  great  measure  to  this  constant 
care  and  delicate  nursing  that  anxious  breeders  bestow  upon 
their  pets.  Who  ever  heard  of  a  litter  of  mongrels  that  no 
one  cared  for  meeting  an  untimely  end  ?  This  we  believe  to 
be  the  key  note  of  the  whole  matter,  and  that  in  order  to  be 
a  successful  breeder  you  must  banish  all  fear  for  the  lives 
and  health  of  the  youngsters,  and  let  them  shirk  for  them- 
selves, and  above  all  else  give  them  no  drugs  or  medicines  of 
any  description,  for  we  are  well  satisfied  that  ten  puppies 
are  killed  by  dosing  where  one  is  benefited,  and  that  the  sur- 
vivor is  often  ruined  for  long  continued  work  by  the  injury 
thus  wrought. 

Now,  we  do  not  wish  this  to  be  construed  as  meaning  that 
we  are  opposed  to  giving  medicine  at  all  times,  for  we  are 
well  aware  that  properly  administered,  much  suffering  is 
alleviated,  and  many  valuable  lives  are  saved,  but  we  do 
firmly  believe  that  the  ailments  of  puppyhood  should  be  left 
entirely  alone,  and  that  nature,  if  untrammelled,  will  effect 
ten  times  the  cures  that  can  be  accomplished  by  the  use  of 
drugs,  especially  as  administered  by  the  breeders  throughout 
the  country  who  have  no  practical  knowledge  of  their  deadly 
effects,  nor  of  the  proper  time  nor  remedy  tc  apply  in  a  very 
large  majority  of  cases  that  come  before  them",  but  anxious 
to  do  everything  in  their  power  to  save  their  darlings,  and 


96  REARING  PUPPIES. 

fearful  that  if  something  is  not  done  at  once  the  little  thing 
will  die,  they,  with  the  best  intentions  in  the  world,  pour 
down  his  throat  some  powerful  drug  that  but  tf  o  often  is 
sure  to  cause  the  very  result  they  fear,  and  then,  forsooth, 
they  wonder  why  it  is  that  the  good  die  so  young,  and  can 
only  account  for  the  success  of  their  neighbor  who  raises 
every  one  of  a  mongrel  litter  by  the  fallacious  reasoning  that 
the  blue  bloods  are  of  a  higher  organization,  and  conse- 
quently more  delicate  and  harder  to  rear.  That  this  is  not 
true  in  most  cases  can  be  easily  demonstrated  by  following 
the  advice  here  given,  and  giving  your  high-toned  litter  the 
same  chance  for  life  that  your  neighbor  gives  his  mongrels. 
We  are  writing  only  concerning  mature  and  healthy  ani- 
mals, believing  that  all  who  are  otherwise  should  be  relig- 
iously excluded  from  the  breeding  kennel.  We  have  bred 
dogs  for  many  years,  and  have  been  uniformly  successful,  at 
least  so  far  as  bringing  our  puppies  safely  thiough  their  early 
days  is  concerned,  and  we  have  accomplished  this — or  rather 
it  has  been  accomplished — without  any  trouble  or  care  upon 
ourpait  by  simply  leaving  them  alone  and  trusting  to  nature 
the  entire  charge  of  their  welfare.  True,  we  always  gave 
the  mother  plenty  of  healthful  food  and  exercise,  and  as  soon 
as  the  pups  were  a  few  days  old  removed  them  from  their 
stall  and  made  their  bed  upon  the  bare  ground,  and  there 
they  had  to  stay  until  they  were  weaned.  We  were  often 
ashamed  of  their  dirty  appearance,  but  never  of  their  health. 
We  never  wash  a  puppy.  We  do  not  believe  that  it  is  of  any 
benefit  to  them,  except  in  looks,  and  we  believe  it  is  often  a 
source  of  trouble  in  that  it  induces  a  cold  which  may  bring 
disease  and  death.  Of  course  we  keep  them  sheltered  from 
cold  and  inclement  weathtr,  but  at  all  times  give  them  plenty 
of  room  on  the  ground,  where  they  can  dig  in  the  dirt  and 
get  fresh  earth  to  eat  when  they  wish.  After  weaning,  we 
accustom  them  to  a  diet  of  Indian  or  oatmeal,  well  cooked 
and  mixed  with  plenty  of  thick  sour  milk.  This  we  have 
found  to  be  the  best  possible  thing  to  expel  the  worms  that 
many  times  infest  them.  It  is  also  the  best  regulator  of  the 
bowels  that  we  have  ever  tried,  as  by  a  little  care  in  increas* 


REARING  PUPPIES.  97 

/hg  or  diminishing  the  quantity  it  will  always  keep  them  just 
right.  We  frequently  boil  meat  and  use  the  broth  for  mak- 
ing their  mush,  and  if  their  condition  is  not  just  to  suit  we 
give  them  an  occassional  meal  of  well  cooked  meat,  and 
when  their  teeth  begin  to  trouble  them,  we  give  them  plenty 
of  large  bones,  with  a  little  meat  on  them,  and  never,  under 
any  circumstances— for  their  ordinary  ailments— do  we  give 
them  a  single  dose  of  medicine,  and,  above  all  else,  we  never 
worry  our  minds  with  thoughts  or  fears  that  they  will  not 
live. 

We  invite  an  expression  of  opinion  upon  this  subject,  and 
would  like  to  see  the  question  fully  discussed  in  our  columns, 
for,  among  the  many  trials  and  drawbacks  encountered  by 
breeders,  none  is  more  disheartening  than  to  see  the  light 
fade  from  the  eyes  of  their  pets,  as  one  by  one  they  meet 
their  untimely  fate. 


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(WITH     BEETROOT). 


IMPROVED  PATENT,  1881. 


We  have  discovered  and  patente4  an  important  improvement  to 
our  Cakes,  by  supplying  the  long-felt  want  of  sufficient  vegetable  mat- 
ter in  the  Cakes  themselves.  In  now  introducing  them,  the  public  must 
not  suppose  that  we  have  removed  or  changed  any  of  the  ingredients 
(including  dates  and  the  best  Scotch  oatmeal)  of  our  Fibrine  Cakes, 
which  for  twenty  years  have  had  so  great  a  reputation,  and  by  succes- 
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best  materials,  have  reached  a  very  high  degree  of  perfection. 

After  thorough  and  widely  tried  experiments  upon  all  classes  of  dogs, 
and  witnessing  their  preference  for  and  increased  thriving  upon  our 
new  production,  we  have  permanently  adopted  among  the  ingredients 
the  addition  of  a  selected  and  specially  prepared  variety  of  the  vegetable 
Beta  Vulgaris^  or  Beetroot. 

After  repeated  experimental  trials  for  years  of  every  species  of  vege- 
table, we  have  found  that  a  kind  of  beet  is  the  only  one  that  bears  th3 
enormous  heat  necessary  for  perfect  baking,  while  retaining  the  essen- 
tial vegetable  quality  uninjured,  and  in  its  highest  condition  for  'the 
dog. 

Beetroot  contains  one  tenth  of  saccharine  matter,  the  remainder  con- 
stituting the  true  vegetable  quality  of  the  utmost  value  in  due  propor- 
tion. It  thus  makes  up  the  perfect  balance,  the  want  of  which  has  been 
the  only  fault  of  the  date,  which  contains  more  than  one  half  sugar. 

Our  anxiety  has  constantly  been  to  counteract  any  binding  tendency 
to  dogs  not  kept  in  full  work,  and  for  this  reason  we  have  been  obliged 
carefully  to  avoid  the  least  excess  of  dates,  thac  in  other  respects  have 
such  excellent  value  as  an  ingredient. 

The  beet  that  we  now  use  has  no  binding  effect  whatever,  but  a  gen- 
tle, healthy  action  in  the  opposite  direclion,  enabling  the  various  other 
bone,  flesh,  and  tissue-forming  substances  used  in  ttie  manufacture  of 
our  celebrated  Fibrine  Cakes,  the  more  readily  to  assimilate  with  the 
gastric  juices,  whereby  digestion  is  more  perfectly  formed. 


FRANCIS  O.  de  LUZE  &  CO., 

is  SOUTH  WILLIAM:  ST.,  NEW  YORK, 

SOLE    WHOLESALE    AGENTS. 


Pleas!  Fleas!  Worms!  Worms! 

STEADMAN'S 

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WRIGHT  &  DITSON. 

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C.B.  WILKINSON  &  CO. 


8  John  Street,  New  York, 


— MANUFACTURERS  OF— 


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